Red Robin Plant
A Beginner's Guide To The Red Robin Plant
The photinia fraseri, otherwise known as the red robin plant is a spectacular, glossy evergreen with leathery, dark green leaves and brilliant red new growth. The red colored growth transitions to a rich bronze color late in the spring and then eventually turns to a vibrant green shade. Additionally, the springtime delivers large clusters of petite white beautiful flowers. Some plants will also have small amounts of red fruit present after the flowers have left.
The red robin plant is a marvelous option for a traditional hedge. The shrub itself is not very dense so it does get a little bit of movement with the breeze. It has an average growth rate of around 30cm per year and it is recommended to trim the plant to the shape of a formal hedge in the spring and summertime. The red robin plant really enjoys full sun but it will also tolerate a partially shaded area and even though the plant is hardy, if it is young, it needs to be protected in the cold winter months.
Any well drained soil will do just fine for the red robin plant. It can be prone to have leaf drop caused by lack of food, dryness of the roots, cold roots in the winter, hot roots in the summer and dry winds. Any of these factors can stress the red robin plant to lead to leaf drop. If this occurs, simply prune the plant back but be sure not to cut into any of the leafless wood and then offer it a nice slow releasing fertilizer in the springtime, watering when necessary. This should reward you with vibrant, healthy new growth.
The red robin plant can also be prone to acquiring leaf spot caused by humid weather and there really is nothing you can do except remove the burned leaves. An easy way to keep this problem under control is by keeping your plants as healthy as possible, feeding them once per year and laying a bit of mulch around the base of your plants but not touching them.
When selecting a location to plant your red robin plant, dig the hold about twice as big as the rootball. If the soil you are planting it in is not of the best quality then mix in some organic material to offer it a little more nutrients. Fill in the soil back around its roots and water the plant well. Add a bit of mulch to retain moisture and aid in reducing weeds.
Although the red robin plant is most often grown to be a hedge, its risk for disease can be increased if adequate space between plants is not allowed. They should be planted a minimum of eight feet apart allowing for an increased amount of air circulation. Doing this enables the plant to dry more quickly after they are watered and the risk of disease is decreased.
A newly transplanted red robin plant should be watered regularly in order to encourage the roots to grow. Once the plant has been established then you only need to water it if the top few inches of soil is dry. Do not over-water this plant or root rot can occur as well as other fungal diseases.
If the red robin plant is not pruned properly, it will develop into a small tree. Pruning should be done in the winter while the plant is in a dormant state. Be sure to sterilize all pruning tools in between cuts to reduce the risk of spreading disease. Caterpillars, mites and scales can affect the red robin plant but they will rarely cause any type of long term harm to the plant. An insecticide will usually clear up the problem.
If you are looking for a hedge with a non-traditional look then the red robin plant might be perfect for you. It can line your property and add a bit of privacy with a bold color statement, offering a great amount of character to your landscaping.