Photinia (Red Robins)

kirsti.lelliott

Hiya,

We had some photonias planted last year they are quite slow growing and not overly dense is there anything I can do to make them grow quicker or thicker!? And how do I keep them healthy?

Many thanks 

ERICS MUM

I trim/prune mine throughout the summer, just taking a few inches off the longest branches.  I’ve noticed that new shoots appear lower down the branches after this.  Don’t know if this is the ‘correct’ method or whether I’ve just been lucky !

mine are planted in the ground and I don’t feed them but if they were in pots I would.

Fairygirl

All you can do is wait, and prune if necessary, but if they've only been there since last year, they'll only just be established, so won't be growing a huge amount yet.
If they weren't put into well prepped soil, each spring you can give them a bit of slow release food like Blood Fish and Bone, which is suitable for feeding shrubs, but it shouldn't be necessary in decent soil. Adding compost every so often round the base will help to feed the soil and keep it in good heart. 

If you're in a colder, wetter area however, don't expect them to do particularly well. They need warmth, moisture, good drainage, and not sited in an exposed location. 

AaronBil

I’ve got clay soil and a couple years back nearly gave up on a couple red robins as they had black spot and sparse leaves. They responded really well to a good feed blood fish bone and chicken manure pellets each spring. I think they’re related to roses and we feed those till the cows come home so why not red robin. I do a couple doses of rose clear to keep on top of anything fungal. My plants are only about 4 years old though.