Photinia × fraseri Louise ('Mclarlou'PBR) (v)

RHS Plant Profile
Christmas berry 'Louise'

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Christmas berry 'Louise' RHS / Joanna Kossak
Christmas berry 'Louise' RHS / Joanna Kossak

Synonyms

Photinia × fraseri 'Mclarlou'PBR

Shrubs Trees
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An evergreen shrub or small tree with elliptic to lance-shaped leaves that emerge red to olive green with pink margins before maturing to dark grey-green with creamy-white margins. Panicles of creamy-white spring flowers may be followed by red fruits

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Photinia can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple leaves and panicles of small white flowers, usually followed by red berries
Name Status
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in fertile, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade. See photinia cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Most cultivars may be pruned hard in spring to regenerate if necessary. If growing as a hedge trim two or three times during the growing season to main shape and encourage new red foliage. See pruning evergreen shrubs for further advice

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight, a leaf spot, honey fungus and powdery mildews