With its parrot-red, glossy young foliage, and large, rounded heads of ivory flowers, this dwarf variety of the versatile evergreen shrub was introduced relatively recently and will be a winner for small gardens. It colours up best in full sun, and will usually only flower in sunny conditions, although it makes a handsome background evergreen shrub in partial shade, too.
Photinia × fraseri 'Little Red Robin' can cope with hard pruning, so can be trimmed to form an informal hedge or clipped into strong shapes. The flowers appear in mid and late spring, and are sometimes followed by spherical red fruit. In frost-prone areas, train as a wall shrub against a south or west-facing wall.
How to care for Photinia × fraseri Little Red Robin:
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in a position with full sun or partial shade, ideally sheltered from cold winds.
Water regularly during the first year to help establish a strong root system, then reduce watering once mature, as it becomes more drought-tolerant. In spring, feed with a balanced fertiliser to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
To encourage a profusion of bright young leaves in late spring or summer shorten the stems of established specimens by up to 15cm (6in), to just above an outward-facing bud. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in early spring.