Red Tip Photinia

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Lovelace Fredericksburg, VA Apr 29, 2008

We just bought three red tip photinia 5 ft tall, need to know if pruning back is advisable as we wanted 3 ft tall shrubs.

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plantladyhou Katy, TX(Zone 8b) Apr 29, 2008

It has been our experience that you must start pruning early to keep it low but it surely doesnt want to stay low. I think, at least down here, that they prefer to be 10' or more. tall. If you are into pruning constantly this is a plant for you. It is lovely w/its red new foliage. If it flowers the flowers do not smell really great - at least no one I know likes the smell. Lots of luck on growing your red tip.

Ann

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JulieQ Bella Vista, AR(Zone 6b) Apr 29, 2008

It grows really fast. I agree you must keep after it.

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Apr 29, 2008

I think you might be better off taking them back and buying plants that want to stay in the 3-4 ft range. It's going to be a lot of work for you, and I'm not sure how healthy it is for the plant to try and keep it 3 ft when it wants to be 10 ft (and I've seen some out here that are bigger even than 10 ft). This is really not the type of plant for a small space.

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VFC Kings Mountain, NC May 02, 2008

Red Tip Photinia are a pain they incur many diseases, and over the past ten years have became less popular for they are high maintenance plant that can grow to over 18' in height with a drip line of 10'. I agree get rid of it and get a low maintenence medium growth plant.

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tcinmb Myrtle Beach, SC(Zone 8b) May 02, 2008

They are really high maintenance. I would opt for something less trouble. I just got through eradicating six of these things . Agree withVioleclary completely!!

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