What is Photina Fraseri?

Photinia fraseri is an evergreen shrub related to the apple and rose. It is sometimes called "red tip" or "red top" because it grows bright red leaves in the spring that later turn green. Photonia fraseri has small, white flowers, but because they smell unpleasant, many gardeners cut them off.

Photinia fraseri is a hybrid which was first discovered at the Fraser Nursery in Birmingham, Ala. It grows well in the South and is often cultivated as a hedge. The plant likes full sunlight and tolerates dry conditions. Some varieties of Photinia fraseri are toxic, with leaves that release hydrogen cyanide when chewed.