Red tip photinia

Photinia × fraseri Dress

Family: RosaceaeZones: 7a to 9b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: no toxicity statement was found at NC State, Clemson or RHS, and the NC State page has no poison lines. That is a gap, not an all clear.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 7a to 9b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Full sun to part shade; best flowering in full sun.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: US: NC State: 10 to 20 ft tall and 10 to 15 ft wide. Clemson: 10 to 15 ft tall and 5 to 8 ft wide, and it can get larger with age.; UK: RHS (Red Robin variety): can reach about 15 ft (5 m) after 10 or more years; the smaller 'Little Red Robin' stays about 5 ft (1.5 m) tall.
Where it comes from: NC State gives the origin as South China. It describes this plant as a hybrid of Photinia glabra and Photinia serratifolia raised at a nursery in Birmingham, Alabama, and popular in the American south. RHS says photinias in general come from China.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon