Japanese spindle vs Photinia 'Red Robin'

Japanese spindle and Photinia 'Red Robin' are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.

Japanese spindle

Euonymus japonicus 2 m × 1.5 m after 10 years

An evergreen shrub with glossy, leathery leaves that takes clipping well, so it works as a low to medium hedge, a screen or a container plant, and…

Hedge

Full sun

Part shade

Shade

from about CZK 49

Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin' 3 m × 2 m after 10 years

Glossy evergreen leaves and bright red new shoots make this a colourful hedge or a striking standalone shrub. Give it sun or partial shade, shelter…

Hedge

Full sun

Part shade

from about CZK 120

Key differences

Photinia 'Red Robin' grows larger: 3 m × 2 m after ten years, against 2 m × 1.5 m for Japanese spindle.
Photinia 'Red Robin' grows faster than Japanese spindle.
Japanese spindle also grows in shade, Photinia 'Red Robin' does not.

Which one to choose?

Japanese spindle is the better choice if space is tight or the spot is shady.

Photinia 'Red Robin' is the better choice if you want quick results.

Watch out for

Japanese spindle

Only moderately hardy in Central Europe: at roughly -15 to -20 °C, or in strong winter sun and wind, the leaves scorch, and in a hard winter shoots can die back, especially on young and variegated plants. It usually resprouts in spring, but it is a risky hedge for cold, exposed sites. Euonymus scale is a common pest, and powdery mildew attacks dense, poorly ventilated plantings.

Photinia 'Red Robin'

In Central Europe, severe frost, winter drying and late frosts can damage foliage and young shoots; it is not a reliable choice where winter minima reach -20 to -25 °C. Entomosporium leaf spot can cause substantial defoliation in humid, poorly ventilated planting. Waterlogging can damage roots, and strongly calcareous soil may cause nutrient-deficiency yellowing.

The data side by side

Feature	Japanese spindle	Photinia 'Red Robin'
Group	Hedge	Hedge
Size after 10 years	2 m × 1.5 m	3 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	2.5–4.5 m × 1.5–2.5 m	3–5 m × 3–5 m (uncertain)
Growth rate	Medium	Fast
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade	Full sun, Part shade
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Foliage	Evergreen	Evergreen
Flowering	May–July, green	May–June, white
Water need	Medium	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium	Medium
Maintenance	Medium	Medium
Planted as a hedge	3 plants per running metre	2.5 plants per running metre
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	approx. CZK 65	about CZK 120 (< 40 cm)

Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 26, 2026

Want a more precise suggestion?

Describe the spot and what you are after in a few words, and the plant finder picks for your garden.

Open the plant finder

More comparisons