Photinia dummeri 'WINCHESTER'

Dummer photinia is a hybrid species of Chinese photinia / stranvaeasia. It is an evergreen shrub whose close relative is a garden hybrid photinia Red Robin. It comes from China and Vietnam and has better cold resistance and narrower leaves compared to Red Robin. The plant itself is very rare and its variety called Winchester is still a hard to find item. It is very similar to David photinia but has some features owing to which it is classifies as separate species.

Winchester photinia has medium large, lanceolate, olive green, glossy leaves which emerge rich bronzy orange in spring and again in midsummer. They are evergreen and in autumn turn various shades of coppery or scarlet red and remain so until spring. In early summer appear dome-shaped panicles of tiny white flowers which open from deep pink buds. They are followed by attractive red fruit.

The natural shape of is rather prostrate with long, slightly arching branches. To maintain a dense shrub we recommend pruning it every year in mid spring. Grow it in full sun. It likes acidic, moist but well drained soil with high contents of organic matter. Mulching provides consistent moisture throughout the year and is necessary in colder areas. Watering is a must before and during winter unless the soil is frozen. Winchester photinia is resistant to fire blight and is very hardy as it withstands temperatures down to -27°C with minimum or no frost damage (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 10-07-2013