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• Reputation: 675 Q&A: 19 1 4 195 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Gardening Follow Following 2 Master Gardener Andrea

  2 0 More than likely you can find this Photinia cultivar at a local garden center or nursery. Most nurseries will probably caution you about planting this shrub.  Before purchasing any Photinia, here’s some information about this commonly planted hedge or species shrub. While Photinia serrulata ‘Frazeri’ (12-15’) is prized by many for it’s fast growth and bright red new growth in spring, it is susceptible to a leaf spot disease, much like blackspot on roses, which can ruin the appearance of the new red leaves. It is also susceptible to winter damage. If you really want to grow it, make sure it’s planted in FULL sun, has good air circulation (to avoid powdery mildew), and planted in well-drained soil. (Check out http://pep.wsu.edu/hortsense/, click on ‘Ornamentals’, and ‘Photinia’ for more information related to problems you might encounter growing Photinia in the PNW.) While we see Photinia planted in many gardens, I would caution you about planting Photinia in the PNW. My neighbor planted a hedge of P.serrulata ‘Frazeri’ along our shared property line. As pretty as it was in early spring, by late spring or summer, most of the leaves were dropped on the ground and, upon inspection, spotted.  During winter months it often looked like it was dying.  My neighbor frequently consulted an arborist about the sad state of the hedge, but it was never clear whether the diagnosis was leaf spot disease or something else. Eventually, the neighbor moved away and the hedge was replaced by the new homeowner. It's also a very high maintenance shrub and, without careful pruning, can get out of control very quickly. There are many lovely shrubs available and a good nursery could advise you. I hope this information is useful to you. Best of luck and happy gardening! Master Gardener Andrea answered in Trees & Shrubs about 1 year ago | Report 4 comments by jencke, Master Gardener Andrea, and jencke… 0 0 Thanks, Andrea! I had just found the same type of advice after a little searching and agree this probably isn't the hedge I want. My neighbor has gorgeous photinia hedge on the other side of his lot, which gave me the idea, but it's uphill (well-drained) and in a spot with much better sunlight. The leaf spot issue notwithstanding, I'm probably trying something else anyway....maybe Pacific wax myrtle? jencke commented about 1 year ago | Report 0 0 I'd definitely go with Pacific Wax Myrtle (Myrica californica). It likes full sun,but it is more adaptable to many conditions. Once established, it's quite drought-tolerant. I planted it in the back of my garden to screen out a neightboring house years ago and it has done very well. I'd start looking for plants now. Several years it ago, when I wanted to plant more, it took weeks to locate plants due to high demand. Also, given the amount of rain we're having, this is a good time to plant. Good luck! Master Gardener Andrea commented about 1 year ago | Report 0 0 You're awesome, Andrea...thanks! jencke commented about 1 year ago | Report 0 0 You're so very welcome. I'm glad to be of some help. Happy planting! -Andrea Master Gardener Andrea commented about 1 year ago | Report Enter your comment or ask a new question preview THIS IS A PREVIEW: Click "Post" to submit it or "Edit" to make changes. edit Please wait… This could take a minute if the tubes are clogged.

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