Photinia x fraseri 'FAROS RED'

Fraser’s photinia is possibly the most popular evergreen hedging plant with red leaves. It used to be a domain of mild winter countries and regions, however, with the changing of the climate ongoing trials have proved it hardy enough for C.E. gardens down to USDA zone 6. It is a hybrid between Japanese photinia glabra and Chinese photinia serratifolia. Red Robin was the first variety that came from this crossing, and as it was a huge commercial success, new selections and varieties are being introduced often.

Faros Red is one of the new Fraser’s photinia selections after 2000 which combines vigour of Red Robin and compact, upright habit of Carré Rouge. Its newly emerging leaves are bright red in early spring and after a long time they turn dark green. They are evergreen, broadly oval, and come out at least twice a year: in early spring and in midsummer. If the summer is hot and long there is a third phase of new leaves in early autumn, this time they are deep burgundy red and remain so until spring. Obviously pruning brings forward production of new foliage. Mature plants produce 8-10 cm large cymes of creamy white flowers in mid spring.

It grows fast forming a compact, upright, and bushy shrub that is perfect for hedges, or it makes a great combination plant when suited among dark green conifers. Being quite unusual in our gardens it is also often used in rather exotic landscapes where its lush and glossy, coloured foliage brings a feeling of a coloured rainforest.

Photinia needs moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil and mulching. Acid soil will secure richer foliage colour but for healthy growth it is not essential. It can be pruned in any way from early spring until midsummer. Young plants need extra watering in hot and dry summers, while well-established plants proved to be quite drought-tolerant. Provide extra watering in frost-free periods in the winter if the ground is not frozen. It is very hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6), and may take a couple of degrees lower. It may be damaged by strong, drying winds in severe winters of zone 6 but quickly regenerates in spring with or without pruning.

Last update 16-10-2019