Photinia niitakayamensis

The Photinia niitakayamensis is an endemic photinia in Taiwan with small leaves that are more or less evergreen in winter and distinguishes itself with its more refined appearance than traditional varieties. This species is still rare in cultivation; will charm with the fine and glossy texture of its foliage, which often turns red in autumn, and its generous long-lasting clusters of red fruits towards the end of the season. With moderate growth, this photinia will find its place in a free hedge, but can also be planted as a standalone specimen. Provide it with a rather sunny exposure and good fertile garden soil that is deep and not too dry.

The Photinia niitakayamensis, formerly classified as Stranvaesia, is a bush of the rose family recently introduced into cultivation in European botanical gardens. It is native to the high mountains of Taiwan and can withstand temperatures as low as -12/-15°C once well established. With relatively slow growth, this photinia has a bushy and well-branched habit. At maturity, it will reach an average height of 3m (10ft) with a width of 2m (7ft). Its shiny branches bear small, thick and leathery leaves that are narrow and elongated, slightly undulate, and of a bright green color, often turning red in cold weather. Flowering occurs in May-June in the form of small umbel inflorescences adorned with small white flowers with a slight fragrance, which are highly visited by pollinating insects. After pollination, the flowers give way to small round fruits measuring 5 to 8mm (1in) in diameter, changing from green to yellow to orange, and finally turning red at the end of summer. The foliage will persist if the winter is mild, but will fall more or less in other cases.

Create a superb mass of refined-looking shrubs with this Photinia that remains interesting all year round: for example, combine it with witch hazels, andromedas, Taiwan rowans, Japanese maples, flowering dogwoods, and large Chinese azaleas. This photinia, which does not tolerate drought or excessive limestone, will also thrive alongside hydrangeas or Hydrangea aspera. With its bushy habit and modest size, it is also perfectly suited for forming medium-height free hedges with other evergreen hedge shrubs, creating a magnificent screen with changing colors.

The genus name Photinia is derived from the Greek word photeinos, meaning bright or luminous, in reference to their glossy foliage.