Photinia 'Red Robin'
Asked by Spritzhenry on 22 Oct, 2007
This question is on Photinia x fraseri
As you can see from the photo, this one has got rather 'leggy'. I know I should prune it in the spring to get red shoots, but can this particular shrub be hard pruned to get a better shape and possibly more red shoots? Advice please!
22 Oct, 2007
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??
23 Oct, 2007
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
23 Oct, 2007
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'
28 Oct, 2007
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.
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Andrewr
22 Oct, 2007
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