Taiwanese photinia (Photinia serratifolia)

Also known as: Japanese photinia

Osmanthus fragrans is a flowering shrub originally from China. Often planted in urban areas to enhance greenery, this shrub produces small, fragrant flowers. While its scent is pleasant to many, it can be too strong for some.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Taiwanese photinia

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

4 m to 12 m

Spread

2.5 m to 6 m

Leaf Color

Green Red

Flower Size

6 mm to 8 mm

Flower Color

White

Images of Taiwanese photinia

Quickly Identify Taiwanese photinia

Large, serrated leaves with 25-40 prominent veins

Eye-catching red buds and strong-smelling white flowers

Striking red pomes resembling berries, attracting wildlife

Stout greenish-brown stem with noticeable lenticels

Alternate branching pattern contributing to bushy appearance

Scientific Classification of Taiwanese photinia

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Photinia

Species

Taiwanese photinia

Planting and Growing of Taiwanese photinia

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Taiwanese photinia?

For Photinia serratifolia, it is recommended to water each time with approximately 1000 milliliters. The principle is to ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not overly saturated. Watering should be thorough enough to reach the root zone without causing waterlogging.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Taiwanese photinia?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full sun

Duration of light: 4 to 8 hours

Photinia serratifolia benefits from partial to full sunlight conditions. Ideal lighting provides enough energy for photosynthesis, improving growth, vitality, and disease resistance. Adequate light encourages rich foliage coloration and a robust structure.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Taiwanese photinia?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Photinia serratifolia thrives best in a temperature range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This range provides optimal conditions for its growth and development, ensuring that the plant maintains its vibrant green leaves and produces beautiful blooms. Temperatures within this range allow the plant to photosynthesize efficiently, aiding in healthy and robust growth.

What Soil is Best for Taiwanese photinia?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Acidic soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Photinia serratifolia thrives in well-draining soils. Such conditions prevent waterlogging, which could lead to root rot, ensuring the plant's roots are healthy and capable of supporting lush growth. This plant benefits from a nutrient-rich soil. Maintaining a well-fertilized soil with adequate organic matter guarantees robust growth, vibrant foliage, and the overall vitality of the plant. While well-draining, the soil should also retain some moisture to support sustained growth during dry spells. This balance is critical to prevent dehydration in hot weather, ensuring steady development. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Taiwanese photinia?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Photinia serratifolia, it's essential to use a balanced fertilizer that provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal measure. Typically, apply around 1 tablespoon of liquid fertilizer mixed with 1 gallon of water per plant for container plants. For solid fertilizers, about 2-3 tablespoons per square foot is sufficient. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Taiwanese photinia?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by inspecting the plant for dead or damaged branches. Use sharp, clean tools to make cuts just above a node at a 45-degree angle. Aim to maintain the plant's natural shape, removing no more than one-third of its volume at a time to avoid stress. Focus on retaining an open center to allow sunlight and air to penetrate the inner branches. Trim back longer branches to the desired length, ensuring to cut just above a leaf node. This encourages a more compact and aesthetically pleasing form. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Taiwanese photinia plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Early spring,Autumn

Choose a healthy parent plant free of diseases and pests. This ensures that the cuttings or seeds collected are viable and have the best chance of developing into a strong new plant.

Use a well-draining soil mix, such as a blend of peat and perlite, to provide an ideal environment for root development. Ensuring the right texture will help prevent waterlogging and promote aeration.

Insert the prepared cuttings into the soil at a sufficient depth so they can stand upright. Ensure that at least one node is below the soil surface to encourage root growth from the node.

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How to Repot Taiwanese photinia plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Photinia serratifolia shows signs that it's time for a repot when you notice roots emerging from the drainage holes or the plant's growth seems stunted. Additionally, if the soil dries out quickly after watering, it might indicate the need for fresh, nutrient-rich soil.

Select a pot that is one to two sizes larger than the current one, with adequate drainage holes. This ensures proper water management and prevents root rot. A slightly larger pot allows space for the roots to expand, promoting healthier growth.

Opt for a well-draining loamy mix to prevent water logging while retaining enough moisture. A balanced mix with a combination of perlite and compost gives the best results, facilitating aeration and nutrient availability for robust plant health.

Toxicity of Taiwanese photinia

Is Taiwanese photinia toxic to cat?

Taiwanese photinia is regarded as having a low level of toxicity for cats. The risk of poisoning is particularly present when cats eat a significant quantity of the plant's foliage. Although the specific toxic compounds are not identified, pet owners should be mindful that consuming this plant may result in symptoms of physical distress. Should a cat consume any part of the taiwanese photinia, it is essential to seek immediate veterinary assistance to promptly manage any negative consequences.

Is Taiwanese photinia toxic to dog?

The Taiwanese photinia presents a mild toxicity hazard for dogs. Although this plant is not classified as highly toxic, consumption in significant amounts can result in poisoning. The main concern for dog owners revolves around the leaves of the Taiwanese photinia, which are identified as the toxic components of the plant. Should a dog ingest these leaves, it may display symptoms that are suggestive of poisoning. Dog owners must stay alert and restrict their pets from entering areas where Taiwanese photinia thrives to prevent unintended consumption. If a dog does eat any parts of the Taiwanese photinia, it is imperative to monitor for signs of distress or abnormal behavior that may indicate poisoning. Symptoms may vary but can include gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy, or alterations in conduct. It is vital to seek immediate professional veterinary assistance if poisoning is suspected to safeguard the health and well-being of the affected canine.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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