How to Use Photinia for a Hedge

Photinia is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can be used as a hedge in hardiness zones 7 through 10. These shrubs grow up to 15 feet tall but need to be trimmed back to produce dense growth. Photinia has brilliant red new growth that turns glossy green as the leaves mature. The dense growth makes it the perfect choice for a privacy hedge along the boundaries of your property.

Potted photinia plants

Tape measure

Wooden stakes

String

Shovel

Mulch

Choose a spot to plant your hedge. Pick a spot where your photinia will receive full sun. Avoid areas where air flow would be limited to the plants -- against a house or fence line, for example. Choose a spot that is at least three feet away from structures.

Outline the size of the planting trench for the hedge with stakes and string. Measure the width of the root ball of the largest potted photinia and double the measurement for the width of your trench. Mark the hedge path by hammering wooden stakes into the ground that are the width of the trench. Outline the trench by connecting the sting to the stakes.

Dig out the outlined area to create a trench that is as deep as the roll ball of your potted photinias.

Remove the shrubs from their pots one at a time. Separate the root ball with your fingers, and set the shrubs in the trench. Space the shrubs at least 4 feet apart.

Fill around the root balls of the shrubs with soil. Fill the trench ? full with soil. Water the plants, then add soil so the trench is even with the ground. Tamp the soil around the shrubs with your foot.

Add a 4- to 6-inch layer of mulch over the trench to suppress weed growth. Water the shrubs thoroughly.

Trim the shrubs by waiting until the new growth is at least 12 inches long. Cut 6 inches off the new growth to promote thicker growth.

Photinia is susceptible to various diseases. To prevent diseases, make sure your plant receives good air circulation. Dense growth can lead to lack of circulation.

Photinia is poisonous if ingested.