Photinia 'Red Robin' and Common yew are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, specimen, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
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…
Taxus baccata 4 m × 2.1 m after 10 years
Its dense, dark green foliage makes a useful evergreen hedge or a clipped garden feature, even in shade. It tolerates pruning well, but eventually…
Common yew is hardier: down to -23 °C, against -15 °C for Photinia 'Red Robin'.
Common yew also grows in shade, Photinia 'Red Robin' does not.
Photinia 'Red Robin' is cheaper: about HUF 4,400 at the size usually planted, against about HUF 5,500 for Common yew.
|
Feature
|
Photinia 'Red Robin'
|
Common yew
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 2 m | 4 m × 2.1 m |
| Ultimate size | 3–5 m × 3–5 m | 10–20 m × 8–15 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Slow |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -15 °C (USDA 7, RHS H5) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | May–June, white | March–April, yellow, green |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 200 cm | 250 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Toxic |
| For cats | no data | Toxic |
| For children | no data | Toxic |
| Typical price | approx. HUF 4,400 | approx. HUF 5,500 |
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 13, 2026
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