Photinia serratifolia 'Oploo5' PINK CRISPY

Chinese photinia is a species which is less common in trade and almost nonexistent in European nurseries. I think that Fraser’s photinia took over with its fast growth and cheaper price. Yet there are new varieties of Chinese photinia which look great and will win in any competition. Exactly like PINK CRISPY photinia which was awarded Gold Medal at Dutch exhibition Plantarium in 2015. It was bred by Alexander van Oploo, the same breeder who brought Red Light photinia.

PINK CRISPY photinia is a drama at first glance. Exceedingly showy foliage reveals creamy white variegation on dark green, slightly undulated, gently serrated, and broadly oval to obovate, evergreen leaves. And the real extravaganza show kicks off when new leaves emerge. They are so intensely pink you can hardly believe that this plant is not made of plastic. A true gem that can easily go solo as a stand-alone specimen in the middle of a lawn, or wisely placed among other green plants where it will take no time to play the diva role. Ever considered trying a variegated plant? Go for PINK CRISPY, you will want no other.

PINK CRISPY photinia grows slowly making strong, strictly upright, and stiff branches into a well-behaved habit (unlike fast growing Fraser’s photinias). Here in zones 6 we find it a place sheltered from strong, drying winds in winter. The breeder suggests its adult height as 1.7m, and slightly over one meter wide. Pruning can be done from early spring until midsummer but is not necessary. It needs moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil and mulching. Provide extra watering in hot summers and also in frost-free periods in the winter if the ground is not frozen, not leaving the sun sucking away all its water present in the evergreen foliage. It is marketed as hardy to min. -20°C with a suggestion that it can take a few more degrees lower.

Last update 04-09-2018