Photinia x fraseri (common names: Christmas berry)

My book on pruning states these shrubs often throw up strong growths from the base and these can be used to replace old branches. It also says that old shrubs do not produce much new red growth and the plant loses strength. I would be inclined to give it a heavy feed in the spring and see how it responds

Thanks - will try it and if no response it may have to be replaced ...:-( P.S. Does this mean that I should not prune it at all??

I read that this shrub can get up to 15' if left to it's own devices in favourable conditions. It tolerates moderate pruning or shearing which encourages the classic red tips

The RHS Encyclopaedia (my bible!) suggests that normal pruning consists of removing misplaced or crossing shoots to maintain a permanent healthy framework in late winter or early spring while the shrub is dormant. Although the species plant can reach 15 feet, 'Red Robin' is described as 'compact'

I work at a nursery, yes you can prune it but I am advised to not hard prune as you may shock it into dying. Prune 50% of it the first year and then the remainder after it has started to show new shoots lower down. If you don't prune them they will not produce new red leaves.

Thanks Dawn! It can have one last chance...:-)

they are so colourfull this time of year......................

yes they are one of my favorite shrubs, they do also flower, but mine did'nt last year, and as it was only planted last spring will have to wait and see if it does this year, maybe different variety to the ones i have seen - still i don't mind if it does'nt i just love the colour of the leaves.

how fast and tall do they grow??

This particular variety, if left unpruned can grow to 5m x 5m (according to the label that came with it.) According to my plant book it takes about 5 years to get to about 6ft x 6ft. I planted mine 2 years ago when it was less than 1ft tall and it's now about 3 ft tall.

thanks can I pick your bain 1 more time, wht type of soil is the best for them?

Again, according to the label, any good well-drained soil. I just mixed lots of soil improver/compost and some fertiliser into the soil before planting and it seems to have done okay.