If you've ever admired a hedge with glossy green leaves and striking red tips, chances are it was a Photinia Red Robin. This popular evergreen shrub makes a fantastic hedge or standalone bush. With the right care, it offers both colour and privacy all year round.
Whether you're planting from scratch or improving an existing hedge, here's everything you need to know about Red Robin planting, spacing, trimming, and thickening.
Quick Glance: Red Robin Hedge Care
| Factor | Ideal Conditions |
|---|---|
| Sunlight | Full sun or partial shade |
| Spacing | 60–75cm for dense hedge; 1m natural |
| Trim Timing | Late spring & summer (avoid winter) |
| Growth Rate | 30–60cm/year once established |
How to Plant a Red Robin Hedge
Getting your planting right at the start makes all the difference:
- Choose the right spot – Full sun or partial shade. Avoid waterlogged ground.
- Prepare the soil – Loosen it and add compost for drainage and nutrients.
- Plant at the same depth – The base of the plant should match the pot level.
- Water well – Soak after planting; keep it moist for the first year.
👉 Pro tip: Mulch around the base with bark or compost to retain moisture and keep weeds away.
Red Robin Hedge Spacing
Correct spacing ensures healthy, gap-free growth:
- For a dense hedge: Plant 60–75cm apart (2–2.5ft).
- For a natural look: Up to 1 metre apart.
Why it matters: Tight spacing helps young plants branch outward and fill in faster, especially in the first 2 years.
When to Trim Red Robin
Trimming encourages red growth and keeps your hedge neat:
- Best time: Late spring (after red flush) and mid-summer.
- Avoid: Winter trimming – frost can damage fresh cuts.
- How to trim: Lightly clip tips to promote bushier side growth. Avoid cutting into old wood.
Pruning a Red Robin Bush
Even solo bushes benefit from regular shaping:
- Light, frequent pruning keeps the plant compact and colourful.
- For overgrown or woody bushes, a hard prune in early spring can rejuvenate them. Expect a season of recovery.
How to Thicken a Red Robin Hedge
A full, lush hedge needs ongoing care. Try these proven tips:
- Trim often – Every few months during growing season boosts side growth.
- Fertilise in spring – Use a balanced fertiliser (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK).
- Water during dry spells – Especially vital for young hedges.
- Disease watch – Remove leaves affected by leaf spot or pests. Improve airflow.
Client case study: "We helped a homeowner in Staffordshire revive a sparse hedge using monthly trims and liquid feeding – in just one season, it grew 50% denser."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Over-pruning into old wood
- ❌ Ignoring pest signs (like black spots or leaf curl)
- ❌ Letting new hedges dry out in summer
Final Thoughts
Photinia Red Robin is a hardy, colourful hedge that can brighten any garden in Staffordshire and beyond. With the right spacing, trimming, and feeding, you'll enjoy a vibrant screen that's both functional and beautiful.
Need Help With Your Hedge?
If you’re in Staffordshire and want professional hedge planting, shaping, or maintenance, our RHS-trained team is ready to help.
📞 Call us today or book online to schedule your Red Robin hedge service.
About the Author
Dave is the Lead Gardener at Hedge Cutting Staffordshire with over 12 years of experience in residential and commercial garden care across the UK.
Hedge Cutting Staffordshire
Professional hedge trimming and garden maintenance services tailored for homes and estates across Staffordshire.