Red Tip Photinia Fertilizer: How And When Should I Feed My Red Tip Photinia

Photinia is a fairly common hedge shrub. Red tip photinia provides a lovely backdrop to the rest of the garden and is an easy-to-care-for plant that grows moderately fast and produces an attractive screen. The most common problem in photinia is black spot, which occurs when the plant is grown in hot humid climates. In other zones, the plant needs minimal supplemental water, light pruning, and an annual fertilizer to promote health. Read on for more information on how to fertilize photinia.

When Should I Feed My Red Tip Photinia?

Photinia is relatively self-sustaining provided it is planted in sandy loam with excellent drainage and good circulation. Feeding photinias is recommended in areas with more challenging soil consistencies and where nutrients are low. Gardeners wondering, "When should I feed my red tip photinia?", should rely upon common plant guidelines. The best time for most plant fertilizing is just prior to the new year's flush of growth in late winter to early spring. This gives the plant the fuel to promote new leafy growth and strong roots. The requirements for young plants vary slightly from established mature photinia.

Best Fertilizer for Photinia

Newly planted photinia require higher amounts of phosphorus for root growth. The second number on plant food refers to the amount of phosphorus. Older plants need balanced macro-nutrients. Perform a soil test to determine which nutrients your soil may be lacking and that will determine the best fertilizer for photinia. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth and it is the first number on the formulation. The last number refers to the potassium level in the plant food. Potassium enhances flower and fruit production as well as overall plant health and ability to uptake nutrients. As a rule, an all-purpose fertilizer is an appropriate red tip photinia fertilizer and will take care of the plant's basic nutrient needs.

How to Fertilize Photinia

Feeding photinias starts in late spring and may be done once a month up until September. Mix into the soil a granular food with high phosphorus content at installation. Mix it well to a depth of at least 18 inches (45.5 cm.) and water the plant deeply once you have placed soil around the roots and base of the plant. Older plants benefit from monthly fertilizer applied either granularly or as a foliar drench. Spray foliar applications when the sun is low and leaves can dry before the sun's hot rays can burn the moist foliage. Temperatures should be between 60 and 80 F. (16-27 C.) and you should water the plant deeply after any type of feeding. Red tip photinia fertilizer during the growing months will help ensure a healthy disease and pest-resistant plant that will be resistant to the environment's most extreme effects.