Fraser Photinia

Photinia x fraseri

Light

Water

Moderate water; irrigate deeply and let the upper few inches of soil dry between waterings. Needs consistent irrigation during Phoenix summers, especially while establishing; not a low-water desert shrub.

Size

10-15 ft tall × 8-12 ft wide

Habit

Upright shrub

Toxicity

Toxic — Pets & Livestock

Description

A broadleaf evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and brilliant red new growth that matures to dark green. Often called red-tip photinia; Phoenix’s extreme heat and alkaline soils can make it challenging to grow.

Bloom Time

Spring

Deciduous / Evergreen

Special Features

Growth Rate

Growth Habit

Mature Size

10-15 ft tall × 8-12 ft wide

Flower Color

White

Foliage Color

Red (new growth) / dark green (mature)

Landscape Use

Desert / Xeriscape, Hedge / Screen, Specimen / Accent

Garden Style

Desert / Xeriscape, Hedge / Formal

Soil

Amended / Rich, Prefers Acidic, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Dwarf yaupon holly, Lilyturf, Pittosporum tobira, Society garlic

Toxic — Pets & Livestock

Foliage and berries contain cyanogenic compounds; toxic to pets and livestock if ingested in quantity.

Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade is best in Phoenix; avoid intense reflected heat from walls and pavement.

Water: Moderate water; irrigate deeply and let the upper few inches of soil dry between waterings. Needs consistent irrigation during Phoenix summers, especially while establishing; not a low-water desert shrub.

Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost; prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may cause iron deficiency.

Mature size: Typically 10–15 feet tall and 8–12 feet wide; may grow larger under favorable conditions. Size varies by cultivar.

Bloom: Clusters of small white flowers in spring; frequent shearing reduces flowering.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.

Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate water and suitable growing conditions; slower under desert heat stress.