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Photinia serratifolia

Chinese hawthorn

A spreading, evergreen tree with peeling grey and red-brown bark when mature. Leaves are glossy dark green, red when young, and finely-toothed. Small white flowers are produced in large, flattened clusters in late spring and early summer, followed by red fruit

Synonyms
Photinia serrulata

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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Grey Silver White Red Green
Summer Brown Grey Silver White Green
Autumn Brown Grey Silver Green Red
Winter Brown Grey Silver Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Photinia can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple leaves and panicles of small white flowers, usually followed by red berries

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in fertile, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade; young shoots may be damaged by late frosts. See photinia cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Or propagate by seed sown in containers, in a cold frame in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight, a leaf spot, honey fungus and powdery mildews

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