Photinia davidiana 'PALETTE' Chinese stranvaesia, David's photinia
Photinia
Chinese/David's photinia (stranvaeasia) is an evergreen shrub whose close relative is a garden hybrid photinia called Red Robin. It comes from China and Vietnam and has better cold resistance and narrower leaves.Palette is a David’s photinia variety with variegated foliage. The leaves emerge rich purple red and mature to soft green with irregular white marbling. In autumn all green parts change to various depths of burgundy red, and white parts gain pink shades. In midsummer small clusters of tiny white flowers appear, and are followed by spherical red fruit it autumn. Such play of colours if welcome especially in spots where mostly green plants grow and where bold variegation brings an extra feature.
The natural shape of Chinese photinia is arching with long branches. To maintain a dense shrub we recommend pruning it every year in mid spring. Grow it in full sun. It likes acidic, moist but well drained soil with high contents of organic matter. Mulching provides consistent moisture throughout the year and is necessary in colder areas. Watering is a must before and during winter unless the soil is frozen. Hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6), but withstands short spells of stronger frost.
Last update 11-12-2014
