Photinia ‘Red Robin’ Pleached Tree

Plant Details:

• Common Name: Photinia Red Robin
• Botanical Name: Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’
• Plant Type: Evergreen
• Foliage and Flowers: New leaves emerge as vibrant red and mature to a deep green; creamy white flowers appear in April and May.
• Flowering Season: Spring
• Size: 1.8m cm clear stem height with a pleached frame measuring 1.2 x 1.2 m
• Mature Height: Up to 3.5 m due to its pleached framework
• Mature Spread: Spreads 1.2-2 m, depending on the frame
• Growth Rate: Reaches its full height within approximately 5 years
• Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade
• Soil Preference: Grows best in well-drained, fertile soil; adaptable to a range of soil types
• Watering Needs: Requires regular watering, especially in dry periods, until established
• Frost Tolerance: Moderate; can tolerate light frost
• Pruning: Benefits from regular pruning to maintain shape and encourage dense growth
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-resistant but can be prone to leaf spot in overly damp conditions
• Recommended Usage: Ideal for creating raised hedges and used widely for privacy screening
• Origin: Grown in a nursery
• Maintenance Level: Moderate; requires occasional care to maintain pleached form

Planting Guide for Photinia ‘Red Robin’ Pleached Tree

Introduction:
The Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is a popular evergreen tree known for its striking red foliage and ability to create a stylish and effective screen or hedge. When trained as a pleached tree, it provides height without taking up much ground space, making it ideal for small gardens, patios, or privacy screens. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to plant and care for your Photinia ‘Red Robin’ pleached tree to ensure it thrives in your garden.

1. Selecting the Right Location:

• Sunlight Requirements: Choose a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. Photinia ‘Red Robin’ thrives in bright conditions but can tolerate light shade.
• Soil Type: Ensure the soil is fertile, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7). The tree is adaptable to a range of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soil, as long as it drains well.
• Space Considerations: Allow sufficient space for the tree to spread up to 1.2-2 meters and reach a height of 3.5 meters with its pleached frame.

2. Preparing the Soil:

• Soil Preparation: Remove weeds, rocks, and debris from the planting area. Dig the soil to a depth of 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) and mix in organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.
• Digging the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of the tree. This allows the roots to spread more easily.

3. Planting the Tree:

• Positioning: Carefully remove the Photinia ‘Red Robin’ from its container, and gently tease out the roots if they are compacted. Place the tree in the center of the hole, ensuring it is upright and that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfilling: Backfill the hole with the excavated soil, firming it gently around the roots to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil.
• Staking: Since pleached trees are top-heavy, it's important to stake them. Use two sturdy stakes and secure the tree with soft ties, making sure not to damage the trunk. The stakes should be positioned outside the root ball area to avoid root disturbance.

4. Watering and Mulching:

• Watering: Water the tree deeply immediately after planting. Continue to water regularly, especially during dry periods, until the tree is well established (usually the first year). Avoid waterlogging the soil.
• Mulching: Apply a 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) layer of organic mulch (like bark chips or compost) around the base of the tree, leaving some space around the trunk to prevent rot. Mulching helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

5. Ongoing Care and Maintenance:

• Pruning: Photinia ‘Red Robin’ pleached trees require regular pruning to maintain their shape and encourage dense foliage. Prune in late spring or early summer after the flowering period. Trim back new shoots to maintain the pleached form and desired height.
• Feeding: Feed the tree with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth. You can also apply a potassium-rich feed to encourage vibrant foliage.
• Pest and Disease Control: Photinia is generally pest-resistant, but monitor for signs of leaf spots or mildew. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Treat any issues promptly with appropriate fungicides or horticultural oils.

6. Winter Care:

• Frost Protection: Photinia ‘Red Robin’ has moderate frost tolerance but can suffer damage in severe conditions. Protect young trees with horticultural fleece or move them to a sheltered location if possible.
• Check Ties and Stakes: Ensure that tree ties and stakes remain secure through winter winds and storms. Adjust ties as the tree grows to prevent girdling.

7. Long-Term Maintenance:

• Shaping: Continue to prune and shape the pleached trees annually to maintain a neat and tidy appearance.
• Checking Growth: Monitor the height and width of the tree, adjusting the frame if necessary to control its spread and ensure it doesn’t overgrow its space.

8. Landscaping Uses:

• Privacy Screening: Ideal for creating a “green wall” to provide privacy in overlooked gardens.
• Decorative Feature: Pleached trees offer an elegant architectural element in both formal and contemporary gardens.
• Windbreak: Effective as a windbreak while maintaining air circulation at the lower levels of the garden.