The Genus Photinia
Family Rosaceae
This genus is a bit confusing. Some botanists describe it as a medium-sized genus of shrubs and trees native to Asia. Others include the North American species of Aronia and Heteromeles. In the broader definition, Photinia pyrifolia is native to Coastal Southeast.
The rose family, Rosaceae, includes herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees and vines. It includes agricultural crops like loquat (Eriobotrya,) strawberry (Fragaria,) apple (Malus,) plum, cherry and apricot (Prunus,) pear (Pyrus,) and blackberry and raspberry (Rubus.) Ornamental plants include redtip (Photinia) and spiraea (Spiraea.)
The rose family, Rosaceae, includes herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees and vines. It includes agricultural crops like loquat (Eriobotrya,) strawberry (Fragaria,) apple (Malus,) plum, cherry and apricot (Prunus,) pear (Pyrus,) and blackberry and raspberry (Rubus.) Ornamental plants include redtip (Photinia) and spiraea (Spiraea.)
Photinia pyrifolia (syn. Aronia arbutifolia)
Photinia pyrifolia
red chokeberry
This is a medium-sized, suckering deciduous shrub for moist, sunny sites. It is capable of growing to fifteen feet tall. In nature, it is found in moist sites in part shade or full sun. It is native to the Coastal Southeast. The species is recommended for zones 4 to 9.
This plant may be found in native plant nurseries and catalogs. Plants are propagated by seeds, softwood cuttings and digging of suckers.
My native plants have moderate growth rates. They produce new leaves and flowers in mid- to late March. Fruits are bright red November through January.
This is a medium-sized, suckering deciduous shrub for moist, sunny sites. It is capable of growing to fifteen feet tall. In nature, it is found in moist sites in part shade or full sun. It is native to the Coastal Southeast. The species is recommended for zones 4 to 9.
This plant may be found in native plant nurseries and catalogs. Plants are propagated by seeds, softwood cuttings and digging of suckers.
My native plants have moderate growth rates. They produce new leaves and flowers in mid- to late March. Fruits are bright red November through January.
Photinia pyrifolia fruits
Photinia x frasieri
PHotinia x frasieri (UNF)
redtip photinia
This is a large evergreen shrub to small tree to fifteen to twenty feet tall. It is a hybrid of two Asian species, Photina glabra and P. serrulata. New foliage is bright red, turning green with age. Clusters of white flowers appear in mid-spring. Small red fruits last into the winter. This hybrid lost its widespread popularity in our regional gardens due to the wide-spread, devasting effects of a fungal disease (Entomosporium mespili.) It grows well in full sun in a well-drained soil. It is recommended for zones 8 and 9.
This once popular landscape plant has nearly disappeared from nurseries because of a fungal disease, Entomosporium mespili. It may be propagated by hardwood cuttings. Reports state that a rooting hormone is necessary.
This plant is still be seen in local landscapes, often as an overgrown, over-trimmed foundation shrub. Occasionally, I see a nice specimen tree. Except for the fungal disease, it is an easy plant in our area. Scattered, individual specimens seem to remain disease free but I would not plant a hedge of this species. It flowers in March and April. New leaves appear shortly after.
This is a large evergreen shrub to small tree to fifteen to twenty feet tall. It is a hybrid of two Asian species, Photina glabra and P. serrulata. New foliage is bright red, turning green with age. Clusters of white flowers appear in mid-spring. Small red fruits last into the winter. This hybrid lost its widespread popularity in our regional gardens due to the wide-spread, devasting effects of a fungal disease (Entomosporium mespili.) It grows well in full sun in a well-drained soil. It is recommended for zones 8 and 9.
This once popular landscape plant has nearly disappeared from nurseries because of a fungal disease, Entomosporium mespili. It may be propagated by hardwood cuttings. Reports state that a rooting hormone is necessary.
This plant is still be seen in local landscapes, often as an overgrown, over-trimmed foundation shrub. Occasionally, I see a nice specimen tree. Except for the fungal disease, it is an easy plant in our area. Scattered, individual specimens seem to remain disease free but I would not plant a hedge of this species. It flowers in March and April. New leaves appear shortly after.
Photinia x fraseri flowers (UNF)