Japanese Photinia
photinia glabra
Also known as: ["Japanese Red Leaf","Photinia japonica"]
Overview
A deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub native to Japan, known for its bright red new leaves and small white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Photinia |
| Botanical Name: | Photinia glabra |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sheltered spot with morning sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, after flowering or in late winter/early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, focusing on selective removal rather than heavy shearing.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching. In hot regions, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct midday sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates mild frosts but may struggle in extreme heat or prolonged cold.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; water before fertilizing to prevent root burn; use organic options for slow release.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is mature but still flexible.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid (70–80%), and partial shade conditions.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pots after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches, heading back to encourage denser growth, and removal of crossing/rubbing stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased wood. Light pruning after flowering is ideal.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker branches, pruning saw for large stems, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune at the right time; make clean cuts; remove dead/diseased wood first.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter or one size up.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim rootbound roots; replace with fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root health; prepare new pot with drainage holes; use fresh soil mix; water sparingly post-repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in response to stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf discoloration or dieback, especially if prolonged or severe.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth or mulch in winter. Avoid planting in exposed, windy areas. Water adequately before cold snaps to prevent desiccation.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to water stress and metabolic disruption.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; follow label instructions; water after application; avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a light dose monthly during growing season, reducing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that consume Photinia glabra berries may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort. The berries contain compounds that can irritate the feline digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Photinia glabra berries by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds in the berries may cause irritation to the dog's digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPhotinia glabra contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The berries are the primary toxic parts, containing substances that may irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Photinia glabra have fragrant flowers?
A: No, its flowers are small and white but not particularly fragrant.
Q: Is Photinia glabra suitable for hedges?
A: Yes, it can be pruned into a hedge and is often used for this purpose.
Q: How fast does Photinia glabra grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically gaining about 1–2 feet per year.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
