How to Grow Goldsworth Red
Goldsworth Red
Photinia × fraseri 'Goldsworth Red'
shrubGoldsworth Red is a hybrid photinia cultivar prized for its striking, vibrant red foliage that emerges in spring and can persist through much of the growing season before maturing to dark green. This evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub is popular in landscapes for hedging, screening, and ornamental focal points. It produces small white flowers in spring clusters followed by red berries that attract wildlife.
When should you plant Goldsworth Red in your zone?
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Example Goldsworth Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Goldsworth Red
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Goldsworth Red
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7b-10a; tolerates zone 7a with protection
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Establishment
6-12 monthsYoung plant with limited branching; vibrant red new growth emerging on shoot tips
Keep soil consistently moist. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base. Prune lightly to encourage branching. Protect from strong winds.
Vegetative Growth
12-36 monthsBush fills in with multiple stems; continuous production of bright red new foliage throughout growing season
Fertilize monthly during growing season with balanced or slightly acidic fertilizer. Prune to shape and encourage denser growth. Remove any dead or diseased wood.
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall white flowers appear in dense clusters among the foliage, typically in spring
Flowers are self-pollinating. Dead-head spent flowers if desired for neater appearance, though berries will develop if flowers remain.
Fruiting & Maturity
Ongoing after year 2Red berries develop from flowers; foliage matures to dark green; plant reaches desired landscape size
Berries persist and attract birds. Reduce fertilizer frequency. Prune annually in late winter to maintain shape and promote spring red foliage flush. Remove any diseased or crowded branches.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune affected branches 12 inches below visible damage and disinfect tools between cuts. Avoid overhead watering. Remove infected plant material immediately. Use copper or sulfur-based bactericides in spring.
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Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation through pruning. Avoid wetting foliage. Apply fungicides like copper or sulfur during wet springs. Remove plant debris.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Increase humidity around plant. Monitor undersides of leaves regularly.
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Prune out heavily infested branches. Apply horticultural oil in late winter before growth begins. Inspect new growth regularly and remove scales by hand on small infestations.
Uses
Privacy hedges and screening
HouseholdGoldsworth Red's dense, semi-evergreen foliage and fast growth make it excellent for creating tall screens and privacy hedges on property lines. Its colorful foliage provides year-round visual interest while blocking views effectively. [source]
Landscape focal point
HouseholdThe brilliant red new growth creates striking color accents in gardens and can be used as specimen plantings in foundation designs or mixed borders. This cultivar works well in both formal and informal landscape settings. [source]
Wildlife food source
WildlifeThe spring flowers attract pollinators while the red berries provide food and cover for birds throughout fall and winter. The dense branching structure also offers shelter for small wildlife. [source]
Floral and foliage arrangements
CraftThe vibrant red new growth and small white flowers can be cut for use in floral arrangements and spring bouquets. The persistent red berries are also valuable for fall and winter craft projects. [source]
Ornamental berry display
CulinaryWhile not edible, the bright red berries are attractive for seasonal decorative purposes and can be used in harvest-themed indoor arrangements and displays. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not applicable for ornamental shrub. Berries may be collected in fall if desired for wildlife viewing or arrangements but are not edible for humans.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Goldsworth Red is a hybrid between Photinia serrulata (Chinese photinia) and Photinia glabra, combining the hardiness and characteristics of both parent species to create a superior landscape plant.
- 🌱 The intensity of the red foliage color is directly related to light exposure; plants grown in full sun display far more vibrant red coloring than those in partial shade, making sun placement critical for maximum ornamental impact.
- 🌱 This cultivar was originally developed in England at the Goldsworth Nursery, from which it takes its name, and remains one of the most popular red-leafed photinia varieties worldwide.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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