Photinia niitakamayensis (syn. formosana)

The species of Chinese photinia (formerly stranvaeasia) is an evergreen shrub whose close relative is a garden hybrid photinia Red Robin. It comes from China and Vietnam and has better cold resistance and narrower leaves. Photinia niitakamayensis from is one of its subspecies from Taiwan, formerly classified as selection or variety known as formosana.

Taiwanese photinia is renowned for notably narrower leaves as opposed to Chinese photinia. Those are deep green, narrowly lance-shaped, and glossy. They emerge coppery red in spring, and in autumn many of older leaves turn scarlet red or light maroon, some plants may gain these shades all over.

It grows fast, making thin and flexible twigs when young, and forms spreading shrubs of uneven habit if left to its own devices. But regularly pruned plants bush out beautifully and exhibit dense and attractive framework. The best time to prune it is in early spring after all frosts. Light trimming is possible in midsummer if some branches get out of hand.

Grow it in full sun, in 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 recommended before and during winter unless the soil is frozen. Hardy to -min. 25°C (USDA zone 6), in protected areas to -27°C (zone 5). It can live in insulated outdoor pots.

Last update 18-10-2021