Photinia
Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin'
Also called Red Robin and Christmas berry
Garden plant · ShrubsCLIPPING IS WHAT MAKES THE RED. Every cut forces a flush of new scarlet growth, so a hedge trimmed twice a summer is red twice; one left alone is a plain green shrub.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 6 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Feed
- Every 45 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a cold winter RHS H5, to -15°C
- Size
- 4 m tall · 3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Shrub
- Origin
- A garden hybrid
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsNothing recorded against it
No animal-poison authority lists this plant either way.
PeopleHarmful if eaten
The berries.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.