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How to Grow Redwing

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Redwing

Photinia × fraseri 'Redwing'

shrub

Redwing is a compact, ornamental evergreen shrub prized for its striking red new growth that matures to deep green. It's a hybrid selection of Fraser's photinia, valued as a landscape accent plant and privacy hedge. The foliage provides year-round color interest with vibrant crimson shoots appearing in spring and fall.

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Example Redwing timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Redwing

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Redwing

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Redwing dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade, minimum 4-6 hours direct sunlight daily for best red coloration
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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Establish with regular watering for the first year, then fairly drought-tolerant once established. Reduce watering in winter.
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Spacing: 24 inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable; ornamental shrub reaches mature height in 3-5 years
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery container; top of root ball level with soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost or aged bark mulch Perlite or sand for drainage Balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 7-9, hardy to zone 6b with protection

6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First 12 months

Young plant in nursery container or freshly transplanted with developing root system

Water deeply and regularly to establish roots. Avoid heavy pruning first year. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping mulch 6 inches away from stem.

2

Vegetative Growth

Year 2-3

Plant develops branching structure with new red shoots emerging in spring and fall, maturing to glossy green

Prune lightly to shape and encourage branching. Remove any dead or crossing branches. Fertilize monthly during growing season (spring-summer).

3

Colorful Emergence

Spring and fall flush (2-4 weeks per flush)

Dramatic red new foliage appears, creating striking color contrast against mature green leaves

Maintain consistent moisture and full sun exposure to maximize red coloration. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes green growth over red pigmentation.

4

Mature Shrub

Year 3 onward

Plant reaches desired landscape size (typically 4-8 feet tall and wide depending on variety) with dense foliage

Maintain shape with selective pruning after new growth flushes. Water during dry periods. Monitor for pests and disease. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Dwarf Alberta spruce Boxwood Japanese maple Ornamental grasses (Miscanthus, Fountain grass) Heavenly bamboo (Nandina) Texas privet Azaleas Camellias

Avoid planting near:

Poorly draining soils Areas with salt spray or road salt Highly competitive shallow-rooted plants Plants requiring significantly different water needs

Common Pests

  • Improve air circulation through selective pruning; apply fungicide if severe; remove infected leaves; avoid overhead watering

  • Ensure adequate air circulation; spray with sulfur-based fungicide in spring/fall; avoid excessive shade

  • Handpick beetles; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain plant vigor through proper watering and fertilizing

  • Inspect regularly; apply horticultural oil in early spring; prune out heavily infested branches

  • Increase humidity; spray with water; apply miticide if severe; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen

Uses

🏠

Ornamental Landscaping & Privacy Screening

Household

Redwing is widely used as a focal point shrub in foundation plantings, borders, and as a hedging plant for privacy screens and windbreaks. Its compact growth habit and seasonal color changes make it ideal for residential and commercial landscapes. [source]

🏠

Floral Arrangements & Decorative Foliage

Household

The striking red new growth is popular in floral arrangements and as decorative greenery in bouquets. Branches with fresh red shoots are particularly prized during spring and fall for fresh flower design. [source]

🦋

Wildlife Habitat & Food Source

Wildlife

Redwing provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small wildlife. The dense evergreen foliage offers year-round protection from predators and weather. [source]

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Wreath & Seasonal Décor

Craft

Colorful branches with red new growth are used in wreaths, garlands, and seasonal holiday decorations. The contrasting red and green foliage provides natural color harmony for fall and winter displays. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not applicable for ornamental use. For foliage arrangements, cut stems in early morning; red new growth is most vibrant in spring (March-May) and fall (September-October). Trim branches at 45-degree angles just above a leaf node to encourage bushier growth.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Redwing is a hybrid between Photinia serratifolia (Chinese photinia) and Photinia glabra (Japanese photinia), combining cold hardiness with vibrant color
  • 🌱 The intensity of red coloration in new growth increases with full sun exposure and decreases with excessive nitrogen fertilizer, as high nitrogen promotes tender green shoots
  • 🌱 In warmer zones (8-10), Redwing can produce small white flowers in spring clusters, adding bonus seasonal interest beyond the foliage display

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun Hybrid Mulch Partial Shade pH Transplant
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