Last year, we shared a post about shrubs you should check out for landscaping. Today, we want to share more information about why you should plant red tip photinias in your yard.
I stumbled upon a post about red tips earlier this month. The article mentioned why red tip photinias were horrible and how to remove them!
My jaw dropped!
I have grown up with red tip photinias around every home I lived in, and continue to enjoy them as an adult.
I thought I would defend this shrub a little bit, and also inspire you to try one if you thing it might be a good fit for your area.
Why You Should Plant Red Tip Photinias In Your Yard
These tips are all of our personal experience with them. As I mentioned, I have grown up with these bushes in our landscaping, and they continue to be our go to for the yard!
You can check out this post for more bush and shrub options we love. I also love this post about pink heat tolerant plants!
Remember to check with your local nursery or extension agency to see about native plants or bushes for your area.
Here are reasons why you should plant red tip photinias in your yard.
1. They are hardy in the heat!
The biggest plus to red tip photinias for us in north Texas is the fact they are incredibly heat tolerant. We have dry, 100 degree days most of the summer, so this is a must for any bush. They are hardy in the heat so we love them!
2. Red Tips don’t need much water once established.
Along with being hardy in the heat, they don’t need much water. One of my neighbors has a huge red tip photinia, but the rubber hose and sprinkler don’t reach it. The plant looks pretty all summer, and it doesn’t need water! This is a great reason to plant one for those who live in drier climates.
3. These bushes grow really large.
One of the most important reasons why we use red tip phontinias is how big they get. They get huge!
4. Also good for privacy.
Not only do they grow really big like we mention above, but they grow like a wall. The leaves and bushes are low to the ground unlike a tree, so not only does it grow big, but it creates a great privacy option. My parents use them in their front wall (above) as a sound barrier, privacy landscaping option.
5. Red tip photinias are green all year.
They keep leaves all year in our area, so it is great for landscaping all parts of your yard.
6. They have fantastic red leaves.
They get the name red tip because of the vibrant red leaves they get throughout the year. In the spring, summer, and fall, bright red leaves emerge. It is so pretty!
7. They also have pretty flower blooms.
Along with the red leaves, they get these white pretty blooms periodically too. They look so beautiful in the spring!
8. Good for shade or sun.
We have had them in sun and shaded areas. They do well in both!
Once you get a red tip established, they need very minimal care! In Texas, we try to plant things they won’t need constant watering because every summer we have drought restrictions.
Issues With Red Tip Photinias
We have never had any issues with red tips in North Texas. In fact, they are one of the few bushes that don’t suffer so much in the heat. Many websites I have read tell you to look out for a fungus on the leaves. I have never seen this before, but it is something to keep an eye out on.
All the ones in our neighborhood are decades old and thriving, so I think it depends on what area you live in. Make sure to check with a local nursery or even your extension agent to see if this would be a good option for your landscaping.
They have been a great addition for our landscaping!
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Awesome post
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it
I use them to screen out my neighbor’s unsighly yard from view of my kitchen window. They are perfect for the job.
They are awesome for privacy and blocking things!
We inherited a hedge of them along the side yard side walk. They have always had spots of some kind. They hide a fence that needs replacing but require constant clipping or we get love letters from code inforcement. They form large flowering trees so I would not put them in a narrow space like ours or plan to do a lot of trimming. They can be shape as a hedge or pruned up more like a small tree.
They do grow really large!!
WHY YOU SHOULD PLANT RED TIP PHOTINIAS IN YOUR YARD
**Can the be put in planter boxes to line the inside of my front porch?
I have never tried them in planter boxes before! I think it depends on the type and the area they will be placed as they are prone to root rot. You can check with your local extension agent to see if they have any ideas on how well they would do in your climate in planter boxes