How to Grow Red Tip
Wikimedia Commons
Red Tip
Photinia × fraseri
shrubRed Tip is a hybrid evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant red new growth that matures to deep green. It grows rapidly and densely, making it excellent for hedges, screens, and specimen plantings. The foliage is glossy and attractive year-round, with small white flowers appearing in spring.
When should you plant Red Tip in your zone?
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Example Red Tip timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Tip
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 Red Tip
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Tip dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-9; marginally hardy in zone 10
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Establishment
2-3 monthsNewly planted shrub with red foliage at shoot tips; compact branching structure begins forming
Water deeply 2-3 times per week. Mulch around base. Avoid heavy pruning first year. Monitor for transplant shock.
Active Growth
Spring through FallVigorous branching with striking red new growth flushes throughout growing season; foliage darkens with age
Maintain consistent moisture. Fertilize monthly during growing season with balanced fertilizer. Prune to shape and encourage branching.
Flowering
2-3 weeks (spring)Small white, five-petaled flowers appear in clusters (panicles) among the foliage
Flowers are self-fertile and not showy. Continue regular care. Flowering does not significantly stress the plant.
Fruiting
Summer through fallSmall red pome fruits develop after flowering, resembling tiny apples; attract birds
No special care needed. Fruits eventually drop and can be messy on pavement. Deadheading prevents fruit set if desired.
Winter/Dormancy
November through FebruaryGrowth slows; foliage remains deep green; shrub maintains structure
Reduce watering significantly but do not allow soil to dry completely. Prune only for shape if needed. No feeding required.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation by pruning; avoid overhead watering; use fungicide if severe; remove infected leaves; ensure good plant health
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Prune out infected branches (sterilize tools between cuts); avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen; no chemical cure, prevention through sanitation is key
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Increase humidity with regular misting; use horticultural oil or miticide; maintain plant health and vigor
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Prune out heavily infested branches; apply horticultural oil in dormant season; use insecticidal soap during growing season
Uses
Hedging & Privacy Screens
HouseholdRed Tip's rapid growth, dense branching, and evergreen nature make it ideal for creating tall privacy hedges and screens. It can reach 15 feet tall and maintains structure with regular pruning. [source]
Bird & Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe spring flowers attract pollinators, while the small red fruits that follow provide food for birds in late summer and fall. The dense foliage offers shelter for nesting and roosting. [source]
Ornamental Foliage
HouseholdThe vibrant red new growth, which transitions to glossy deep green, provides year-round visual interest and dramatic color contrast in landscape designs. [source]
Specimen & Foundation Plantings
HouseholdRed Tip works well as a focal point shrub in gardens or as part of mixed borders. It's also popular for foundation plantings near homes where its upright growth habit is valued. [source]
Cut Foliage Arrangements
CraftThe colorful red shoots and glossy foliage are prized by florists and gardeners for use in fresh arrangements and bouquets, especially during spring and early summer flushes. [source]
Harvest Tips
Red Tip is an ornamental shrub, not harvested for food. Prune regularly (late winter or early spring) to maintain shape, encourage branching, and promote red foliage production. Remove 1/3 of oldest wood annually. Deadhead spent flowers to reduce fruit set if desired.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Tip (Photinia × fraseri) is a hybrid resulting from a cross between Photinia serratifolia and Photinia glabra, combining the best traits of both parent species for superior ornamental value.
- 🌱 The intensity of the red coloring in new growth is enhanced by full sun exposure and cool temperatures, making spring growth often more brilliantly colored than summer flushes.
- 🌱 Red Tip can occasionally be affected by Photinia leaf spot fungus, which is more prevalent in humid climates with poor air circulation, making it less reliable in very humid regions like the Deep South.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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