Also known as Chinese Hawthorn · Japanese Photinia · Serrated-Leaf Chinese Hawthorn
Chinese Photinia (Photinia serratifolia) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to East Asia, known for its glossy foliage and clusters of white flowers, followed by
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and densest foliage, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-25°C. Can tolerate light frost once established.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed annually in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts, especially leaves and berries, contain cyanogenic glycosides which release hydrogen cyanide upon ingestion, causing gastrointestinal upset, respiratory issues, and potentially more severe symptoms.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Chinese Photinia regularly, especially during dry spells, to maintain consistent soil moisture. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering frequency in cooler months.
Prune Chinese Photinia in late winter or early spring before new growth starts to shape the plant and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Lightly prune in mid-summer after flowering to maintain shape and encourage denser foliage. Remove suckers from the base promptly.
Propagate Chinese Photinia from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid to late summer. Select healthy shoots, cut them into 10-15 cm lengths, and dip the base in rooting hormone.
Insert cuttings into a well-draining potting mix and keep moist and warm until rooted.
Repot Chinese Photinia every 2-3 years, or when root-bound, preferably in early spring before new growth begins. Choose a pot one size larger with good drainage. Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix.
Trim back any overgrown roots during repotting.
Identify plants like this with ePlant
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Chinese Photinia (Photinia serratifolia)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Rosales |
| family | Rosaceae |
| genus | Photinia |
| species | Photinia serratifolia |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
