How to Plant a Photinia Hedge in Australia (Soil, Spacing & Fertiliser Guide)

Planting a Photinia hedge is one of the quickest ways to create privacy and structure in an Australian garden. To achieve a dense, colourful screen, proper preparation is just as important as pruning later on. The right location, soil conditions, and early fertiliser support lay the foundation for a hedge that will thrive for decades.

Choosing the Best Site

Photinia prefers full sun to partial shade, but for the strongest red flushes, at least six hours of sunlight per day is ideal. Shady positions lead to slower growth, thinner foliage, and less vibrant colour. Wind protection is also recommended, as constant strong winds tear the broad leaves and stress young plants. A north or east-facing boundary often provides the best balance of light and shelter in most Australian backyards.

Soil Preparation

Healthy soil is the key to a strong hedge. Photinia tolerates many soil types but performs best in fertile, well-drained loam with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Heavy clay soils should be opened up with gypsum and organic matter to improve structure and drainage. Very sandy soils must be enriched with compost and supplemented with fertiliser more regularly, as nutrients leach quickly.

Loosen the planting strip to a depth of at least 40–50 cm.
Work in organic matter or compost to improve soil fertility.
If drainage is poor, raise the planting line slightly to avoid waterlogging.

Before planting, water the soil thoroughly to settle it, creating a moist but not soggy bed for new roots.

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How Far Apart to Plant Photinia

Spacing determines how quickly a hedge fills in and how much maintenance it will need. The general guide is 80 cm to 1 m apart for most Red Robin or robusta Photinia hedges. Closer spacing of 60–70 cm gives a faster screen but increases competition for water and nutrients, requiring heavier fertilising. Wider spacing of 1.2 m suits larger specimens and allows each plant to develop a broader natural shape.

Step-by-Step Planting Method

Follow these steps to plant a Photinia hedge successfully:

1. Mark the line: Use a string line to keep plants in a straight, even row.
2. Dig holes: Twice as wide as the root ball, deep enough so plants sit at the same level as in their pots.
3. Position plants: Gently tease out roots if pot-bound before placing in the hole.
4. Backfill: Replace soil, firming gently around roots to remove air pockets.
5. Water deeply: Soak thoroughly to help settle soil around the roots.
6. Mulch: Apply a 5–8 cm mulch layer, keeping it away from stems to reduce rot.

Early Care After Planting

The first year is the most critical. Water young Photinia regularly during dry periods, as shallow roots are vulnerable to drought stress. Consistent fertilising is also essential at this stage to help roots establish and produce a steady flush of new foliage.

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Feeding Photinia for Strong Establishment

Because Photinia grows quickly, it requires more nutrients than many hedges. Fertiliser applied at planting and throughout the first two years ensures plants root strongly and produce dense, colourful foliage.

At planting: Apply a diluted liquid fertiliser immediately to reduce transplant shock.
First 12 months: Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer for steady growth.
After pruning: Always fertilise after trimming to fuel a strong flush of red shoots.
Ongoing: In poor soils, increase feeding frequency to prevent yellowing and thin growth.

A balanced fertiliser is the most reliable choice. Complete Grow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20 supplies nitrogen for foliage, phosphorus for root establishment, and potassium for strength and colour. Its fast-absorbing formula helps young hedges establish rapidly and maintain strong growth flushes year-round.