After planting, we can look at a few tips for Photinia Red Robin care. It’s not difficult as the plants are pretty well self-reliant once established…
Correct watering is critical for any plant, During your Photinia Red Robins’ first and second years, water when there is a dry spell. Once established, you should only need to water in severe, prolonged drought. It’s easy to spot if your Photinias need water as the leaves begin to droop – just like most other plants. And remember – Photinia Red Robin responds as adversely to water-logging as, for example, Lavender.
Photinia Red Robin is not a greedy plant and will generally grow well unaided. There are, though, a few circumstances when a little help will be needed:
Choice of Fertiliser: As noted in an earlier post, blood, fish and bone works extremely well. If you prefer a proprietary brand then gor for Vitax Q4 or similar.
Poor/Shallow soils: Mulch and feed in spring.
After pruning: Photinia Red Robin won’t even notice a quick trim but after more vigorous pruning a little feed and/or mulch will be beneficial and encourage the desired new growth. Also, if you are trimming regularly (say every 3-4 weeks) to keep that new growth coming, then apply a little feed every 6-8 weeks.
Young Plants: During their first two years, feed twice a year in spring and autumn
The area around any new plant, be it hedging or bedding, should be kept free of weeds and other garden debris. Of course, once established this undergrowth can become a wildlife haven
Trimming and pruning causes anxiety in many gardeners but this is undeserved and especially when it comes to Photinia Red Robin. We’ll see why in our next post…
Questions about anything here? Call the nursery on 01993 850979 or send us a message — advice is free.