Photinia x fraseri 'BR2011' CHICO

Fraser’s photinia is a popular shrub in countries and regions with milder winters. It is a hybrid between photinia glabra and photinia serratifolia. Red Robin was the first variety that came from this crossing, and after it proved huge commercial success, new selections have been introduced. It is almost unbelieveable how many new plants have been bred since that breakthrough. Just like this super dwarf variety named CHICO from Dutch town Haaren. It was bred by Barn van Roessel and the plant won Silver Medal at Plantarium 2018.

CHICO is the smallest photina known to trade so far. It is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy, broadly elliptic leaves with conspicuously serrated margins which bear strong resemblance to arbutus unedo foliage. They emerge bronze orange-red and mature to deep green. New leaves emerge at least twice a year: in early spring and in late summer, and you can bring the second phase forward by pruning the shrub in early summer just as the new leaves turn green. Stems are rich burgundy red all year round.

It grows slowly and has a cushion-like, bushy, and upright habit. CHICO is truly a small gem you can place in a small front yard, in a rockery, or even in a perennial bed. It is quite hardy yet we recommend finding it a place sheltered from strong, drying winds in winters of zone 6. It can be clipped from early spring until midsummer.

It needs moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil and mulching. Acid soil will provide richer foliage colour but for healthy growth it is not essential. Provide extra watering in hot summers and mainly in frost-free periods in the winter if the ground is not frozen. Hardiness is so far guaranteed to -18°C, and expected to -24°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 10-09-2018