ShrubsPhotinia x fraseri
Red Robin
Red Robin is a popular evergreen hedging plant that dazzles in spring with bright red young foliage. White flower clusters appear in April and May, followed by small red berries. The plant grows quickly and forms a dense, opaque hedge.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 200–400 cm
- Spread
- 150–300 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 7–9
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- white
- Wildlife value
- bees, birds
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in sun or partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly in the first year after planting. The plant is sensitive to severe frost — choose a sheltered position in colder areas. Feed with organic fertiliser in spring for vigorous growth.
Pruning tips
Trim two to three times per year to keep the hedge neat and encourage new red growth. The best pruning times are after the first flush in June and again in September. Remove dead or diseased branches as soon as they appear.
Good companions
ShrubsBuxus sempervirens
Boxwood
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy dark green leaves that is ideal for topiary and hedging. The plant grows slowly and can live for hundreds of years. Small green-yellow flowers appear in April and May, attracting early bees.
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
TreesIlex aquifolium
English Holly
English Holly is a stately, evergreen tree with glossy, spiny dark green leaves that provide a magnificent backdrop in winter. Female specimens bear bright red berries that are indispensable winter food for birds. The tree grows slowly but can live for centuries.