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How to Grow Photinia Red Tip 'Lights of London'

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Photinia Red Tip 'Lights of London'

Photinia × fraseri 'Lights of London'

shrub

A striking ornamental shrub cultivar known for its vibrant red new growth that matures to deep green, creating a dynamic two-tone effect throughout the growing season. 'Lights of London' is a compact variety of the popular Red Tip Photinia, valued for hedging, screening, and specimen plantings. It produces clusters of small white flowers in spring, followed by ornamental red berries in fall.

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Example Photinia Red Tip 'Lights of London' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Photinia Red Tip 'Lights of London'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Photinia Red Tip 'Lights of London'

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Photinia Red Tip 'Lights of London' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (more sun produces better red coloration)
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Water: Moderate water needs; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly during growing season; reduce in winter. Drought-tolerant once established.
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Spacing: 36 inches
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Days to maturity: 1440-1800 days (4-5 years for mature specimen plant)
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; top of root ball level with soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or slightly acidic soil
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Compost or aged bark mulch Perlite for drainage improvement Peat moss for acidic soils

Growing Zones

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Thrives in USDA zones 8-9; can be grown in zone 7b with winter protection

7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment (Months 1-6)

6 months

Young transplant with limited branching; new growth is bright red, older foliage is green. Plant is actively establishing root system.

Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping it 6 inches from trunk. Avoid fertilizing immediately after planting.

2

Early Growth (Months 6-18)

12 months

Plant develops more branches and fuller form. Striking contrast between red new growth and mature green foliage becomes more apparent.

Prune lightly to shape and encourage bushiness. Begin monthly fertilization during growing season with balanced fertilizer. Monitor for pests and diseases.

3

Development (Years 2-3)

12-24 months

Shrub reaches substantial size with dense foliage. Red coloration intensifies with more sunlight exposure. Plant begins producing flowers.

Prune in early spring to maintain desired shape and size. Continue regular fertilization. Increase watering during hot, dry periods. Remove any dead or diseased wood.

4

Flowering & Berry Production (Spring-Fall)

6-8 months (spring through fall)

Clusters of small white flowers appear in spring along branch tips. Flowers develop into ornamental red berries by fall, persisting into winter.

Minimal pruning during flowering to preserve blooms. Berries provide winter interest and attract birds. Maintain consistent watering during flower and fruit development.

5

Mature Shrub (Year 4+)

Ongoing seasonal cycle

Established plant reaches mature height of 8-12 feet with dense, well-defined form. Annual cycle of red new growth, flowering, and berry production becomes routine.

Prune annually in early spring to maintain shape and encourage new red growth. Fertilize twice yearly (spring and mid-summer). Watch for leaf spot diseases in humid conditions.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Spirea Euonymus Nandina Loropetalum Weigela Viburnum Buddleia Clethra

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring acidic soils (Azaleas, Rhododendrons) Plants needing constant shade Water-loving plants in poorly drained areas

Common Pests

  • Improve air circulation with pruning; remove infected leaves; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if severe; mulch properly to prevent spore splash

  • Prune out infected branches 12 inches below visible damage; sterilize pruning tools between cuts; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer; prune only in dry weather

  • Hand-pick beetles; maintain plant vigor; apply horticultural oil in early spring; use insecticidal soap for heavy infestations

  • Spray with dormant oil in late winter; use insecticidal soap in growing season; improve air circulation; remove heavily infested branches

  • Increase humidity with regular watering/misting; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen

Uses

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Landscape Screening & Hedging

Ornamental

'Lights of London' is excellent for creating attractive privacy screens and hedges due to its dense growth habit and year-round color interest. The vibrant red new growth provides dynamic visual appeal, and it responds well to pruning into various shapes. [source]

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Bird & Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The spring flowers attract pollinators including bees and butterflies, while the red berries provide important food for birds such as robins and cedar waxwings throughout fall and winter. [source]

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Cut Arrangements & Floral Design

Craft

Branches with vibrant red new growth are prized by florists and crafters for fresh and dried arrangements, providing striking color and texture to bouquets and seasonal displays. [source]

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Specimen & Container Growing

Household

'Lights of London' can be grown in large containers on patios, decks, and entryways where space is limited, serving as a focal point or accent plant with its dramatic color-changing foliage. [source]

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental shrub, not typically harvested. However, berries can be collected for decorative arrangements in fall and early winter. Prune anytime during growing season to harvest branches for floral displays, cutting just above a leaf node.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 'Lights of London' is a hybrid cultivar (Photinia × fraseri), a cross between Photinia glabra and Photinia serrulata, combining the best ornamental traits of both parent species.
  • 🌱 The brilliant red color of new growth is due to anthocyanin pigments and is actually more vibrant in cooler weather and with more sunlight exposure; shaded plants produce less dramatic color.
  • 🌱 Red Tip Photinia shrubs have become increasingly popular in Southern U.S. landscapes since their introduction in the 1950s, though they are native to China and are called 'Chinese Photinia' in some regions.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Full Sun Mulch pH Transplant
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