Photinia ‘Red Robin’ for New Zealand Gardens

Photinia Red Robin hedge spacing

The Photinia Red Robin hedge spacing is generally 50 cm between the plants. If you want the hedge to fill in faster, you can shorten the spacing to 40 cm. However, going wider than 50 cm will have two effects. The first is that the gap between the plants at the base will be harder to fill in and this can cause frustration. The second is that the plants will tend to grow wider rather than upward. At a closer spacing the plants compete for light, and in doing so, they push each other upwards. Therefore, The Plant Company recommends a 40-50 cm spacing to achieve an amazing hedge.

What is the growth rate of Photinia Red Robin hedging plants?

The growth rate of Photinia Red Robin depends on where it is positioned and how well it is cared for. In a warm climate with good growing conditions, it will grow to 4 m tall and the same wide in about 10-15 years. Where anything impedes the growth of these plants such as drought, wind exposure, cold climates it will grow at a slower rate. While this shrub can grow to 4 m tall, it is often clipped to smaller sizes and often into a hedge. Overall, the growth rate is considered medium relative to other hedging plants.

Large Photinia Red Robin for sale in NZ

The Plant Company has the best Photinia Red Robin for sale in NZ and a range of sizes from small to large options available. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your plant and hedge needs and impress you with both our products and service!

What are the best growing conditions for Photinia Red Robin In NZ?

Photinia Red Robin grows best in NZ when planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of good drainage as plants can become diseased and die if drainage is poor, they are waterlogged, or both. It will tolerate coastal environments, wind, and frost.

Photinia Red Robin planting instructions

Choose a full sun position with good drainage for your Photinia Red Robin. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. Incorporating compost of sheep pellets into the soil will provide additional organic material and improve the soil health, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread shrub fertiliser on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring. The plants should be staked if taller than 30 cm to keep them stable and they should be well-watered after planting and until such time as you see new growth appearing. For more information and further planting instructions be sure to check out our expert advice links on this page.

Photinia Red Robin problems in NZ

Photinia Red Robin is a hardy and popular hedging plant in New Zealand, but like any plant, it can be susceptible to certain problems. Root rot is a fungal disease that thrives in waterlogged soil and it attacks the roots, preventing the plant from taking up water and nutrients. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and dieback. To prevent root rot, ensure your Photinia is planted in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. A further common problem is the plant can become too large. The simple solution here is to undertake trimming once per annum. Pest issues can occur from time to time with scale insect and thrips the main issues. These are infrequent but easily treated with an appropriate agrichemical.

What height does the Photinia Red Robin tree grow to?

Photinia Red Robin trees will grow to a height of about 4 metres. In warmer climates it will reach this height much quicker than in cooler and more exposed sites. Watering and maintaining fertility levels will also influence the time to reach this height.

Is Photinia Red Robin poisionous?

Photinia Red Robin is considered poisonous. It contains cyanogenic glycosides in its foliage and fruit and when ingested, these compounds break down to release hydrogen cyanide, which is toxic. The level of cyanide produced can vary depending on the part of the plant and its maturity, with younger leaves often having higher concentrations. Photinia is known to be more toxic to ruminant animals like horses and cattle. While some sources suggest it's not listed as highly toxic to dogs, it's still generally advised to prevent ingestion by pets due to the potential for gastrointestinal upset. While considered slightly poisonous to humans, significant symptoms like nausea or stomach cramps would likely require the ingestion of large quantities of the plant. Therefore, it's best to avoid eating any part of the plant! In summary, it's best to consider Photinia Red Robin as a poisonous plant and take precautions to prevent ingestion by children and animals.