Short answer
Photinia (often sold as “Red Robin”) is trimmed to encourage its colourful red new growth. Many growers trim after the first flush and again in late summer. The RHS page we checked does not give timing for photinia, so treat the schedule below as common gardening practice, and check with your supplier for your variety.
Photinia has glossy leaves, so, like laurel, a hedge trimmer can tear leaf edges. Sharp blades help.
Common approach
- Trim after the spring flush of red growth, once it has begun to mature.
- Trim again in late summer if the hedge needs tidying.
- Avoid hard cuts late in the year when frost can damage new growth.
Tools
A sharp trimmer on a light, precise setup works best. See lightweight hedge trimmers, and our laurel advice in how to cut a laurel hedge for large-leaf technique.
Check for nests before you start; see our nesting season guide.