I am wondering if a Photinia hedge can grow tall and as a privacy hedge. I would like it to grown about 10-12 feet tall. The colours are so beautiful. If has about 3 feet in depth to grow and about 5-6 feet in width.
Will it survive where I live which is in the high park area? Also is this easy to find for purchase as I cannot seem to find it.
Thank you!
Photinia are a small group of evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs often used as a hedge or edge. The most common variety, Photinia x fraseri, or Fraser’s Photinia has bright red new foliage that turns green over time. It can grow to a height of 10 to 15 feet and spreads 10 to 15 feet.
Photinia is unlikely to be winter hardy in Toronto, and this is why you haven’t been able to locate it at nurseries in this area.
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e459
Your choice of hedge plant depends on the hedge location including type of soil, amount of sun, space available and whether it will be subject to winter salt.
I suggest you tour your neighbourhood and identify hedges that you like that are growing well in locations similar to where you plan to plant the hedge. With these hedge plant name(s) or a photo in hand, visit your local nursery, and ask for help to choose the best hedge plants for the location you had in mind.
This Toronto Master Gardeners Guide on Evergreens Suitable for Hedging may be of interest: