Chinese photinia
photinia serratifolia
Also known as: ["Chinese photinia","photinia"]
Overview
A deciduous or evergreen shrub native to East Asia, known for its glossy leaves and red new growth.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Photinia |
| Botanical Name: | Photinia serratifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate slightly sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years for heavy shaping.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and size control.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun to prevent leaf scorch; provide shade during extreme heat; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in intense sun; monitor for sunburn signs.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; monitor pH levels.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, stable conditions.
Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; adjust care based on seasonal changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; water before and after application; avoid fertilizing in late fall to prevent new growth vulnerable to frost.
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, keep warm and shaded.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is mature enough for cuttings.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, heat mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and shaping cuts to maintain form and health.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove diseased or damaged growth; best done after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune at the right time, make clean cuts, remove dead/diseased wood, avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and place in shade for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, inspect roots, prune if needed, water after repotting, adjust care temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, 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 fungal growth; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and improve soil structure.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl, turn brown, or drop; growth slows or halts; potential for frost damage in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., burlap wrap, mulch); move potted plants indoors; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering, use mulch to retain moisture, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH, use appropriate fertilizer, apply at recommended rates, water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply again after the first flush of growth; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are particularly sensitive to the compounds in Photinia serratifolia berries. Ingestion can lead to mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset and may cause more pronounced symptoms due to their smaller size and unique metabolism.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Photinia serratifolia can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. The cyanogenic glycosides present in the berries may lead to mild toxicity symptoms, particularly in smaller or more sensitive breeds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPhotinia serratifolia contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The berries are the most toxic part of the plant, containing small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides which can release cyanide upon digestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Photinia serratifolia have fragrant flowers?
A: No, its flowers are not typically fragrant.
Q: Is Photinia serratifolia suitable for indoor growing?
A: It is primarily an outdoor shrub and not well-suited for indoor cultivation.
Q: How fast does Photinia serratifolia grow?
A: It is a moderately fast-growing shrub, reaching heights of up to 10 meters in ideal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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