Photinia Pink Marble

Experience the dazzling beauty of Photinia × fraseri ‘Pink Marble’, the spectacular variegated Photinia that brings exceptional year-round colour, stunning foliage displays, and elegant structure to gardens with its remarkable pink, cream, and green leaves. This outstanding evergreen shrub offers remarkable qualities—spectacular variegated foliage in shades of pink, cream, white, and green creating constant colour and visual interest throughout the year, brilliant bright pink-red new growth in spring that rivals any flower for impact and intensity, compact upright habit making this ideal for smaller gardens, containers, and mixed borders where space is limited, and clusters of white spring flowers followed by red berries adding seasonal interest, making this one of the finest and most colourful variegated evergreens for creating year-round drama, architectural presence, and vibrant beauty in gardens.

Throughout the year, this captivating shrub displays its characteristic oval leaves measuring 8-12cm long with finely serrated edges in spectacular variegated patterns combining pink, cream, white, and green—no two leaves are identical, creating a marbled effect that gives the plant its name. Mature leaves show irregular splashes and margins of cream and white against green, often with pink tints. But the shrub’s most spectacular display occurs in spring when new growth emerges in brilliant bright pink-red to coral-pink creating stunning flushes of colour that illuminate the garden and rival any flowering plant for impact. The intensity of the pink new growth is breathtaking—far more vibrant than the standard green Photinia ‘Red Robin’. As the leaves mature, the pink gradually fades to cream, white, and green variegation, but regular pruning encourages fresh flushes of pink growth throughout the growing season. The overall effect is colourful, elegant, and constantly changing. In spring (April-May), the shrub produces clusters of small white flowers measuring 8-10mm across in flattened heads (corymbs) measuring 10-15cm across. The flowers provide nectar for pollinators and are followed by small red berries in autumn that persist into winter, though berry production is less prolific than on green-leaved forms. The upright compact habit creates excellent structure.

This stunning cultivar is a variegated sport of Photinia × fraseri, a hybrid between P. glabra and P. serratifolia developed in the early 1900s in Fraser Nurseries, Alabama. ‘Pink Marble’ was selected for its exceptional variegation and compact growth. The genus name Photinia comes from the Greek ‘photeinos’ meaning shining, referring to the glossy leaves. Hardy in most areas but can suffer frost damage in severe winters or exposed positions—the variegated foliage is slightly less hardy than green-leaved forms. Thrives in temperate climates with consistent moisture and shelter from harsh winds. Moderate growth rate, establishing within 3-5 years. The compact size and spectacular colouring make this ideal for small to medium gardens, containers, and prominent positions.

Create stunning compositions by planting as spectacular specimen shrubs in mixed borders, foundation plantings, or containers where the variegated foliage and pink new growth can be fully appreciated. Exceptional in contemporary gardens, courtyard gardens, or as focal points near entrances, seating areas, or viewed from windows where the year-round colour creates constant interest. Works beautifully planted with purple-leaved plants (Berberis, Heuchera), silver foliage (Artemisia, Stachys), or dark evergreens (Taxus, Ilex) that enhance the pink and cream variegation. Magnificent in large containers on patios or terraces where the architectural form and colourful foliage create impact. Perfect for creating year-round colour, architectural structure, and vibrant beauty in gardens.

Planting: Space shrubs 1.5-2m apart for hedging or screening, or allow 2-3m for specimen placement to accommodate the mature spread. Plant container-grown specimens year-round, though autumn or early spring is ideal. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and incorporate organic matter and slow-release fertiliser. Plant at the same depth as the container. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base. Choose positions in full sun to partial shade—full sun produces the most intense pink new growth and best variegation, though some afternoon shade in hot areas prevents leaf scorch. Shelter from harsh winds and severe frost is beneficial, especially in colder areas.

Soil Preparation: Thrives in moist, well-drained, fertile soil with pH 6.0-7.5. Tolerates a range of soil types including clay and loam but prefers deep, moisture-retentive, fertile conditions enriched with organic matter. Dislikes waterlogged, very dry, or very alkaline soils. Best growth and colour occur in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil, consistent moisture, and shelter from harsh winds. The variegated foliage requires more nutrients than green-leaved forms—ensure soil is fertile and feed regularly.

Container Growing: Excellent for container growing in large pots (minimum 45-50cm diameter) using soil-based compost enriched with slow-release fertiliser, creating spectacular patio features with year-round colour and architectural form. Water regularly during growing season—do not allow to dry out. Feed monthly during growing season (April-September) with balanced liquid fertiliser to maintain variegation and encourage pink new growth. Protect containers from severe frost in winter by moving to sheltered positions or wrapping pots. Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Prune regularly to encourage fresh pink growth and maintain compact form.

Seasonal Care: Prune in late spring to early summer (May-June) after flowering to shape, control size, and encourage fresh flushes of pink new growth—regular pruning throughout the growing season maintains colour displays. Can be lightly trimmed several times during summer to promote continuous pink growth. Remove any all-green reverted shoots immediately as these are more vigorous and will overtake the variegated growth if left. Trim hedges 2-3 times during growing season. Apply slow-release balanced fertiliser in early spring and again in midsummer—variegated plants need more nutrients. Mulch annually with organic matter. Water during dry spells, especially in the first 3-5 years until established and during summer. Watch for leaf spot diseases in wet conditions—improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Generally pest resistant, though can occasionally be affected by aphids on new growth. Protect from severe frost and harsh winds in colder areas.

Propagation: Can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer to autumn with rooting hormone—select cuttings with good variegation. Success rate is moderate. IMPORTANT: Remove any all-green shoots that appear on the parent plant as these will not produce variegated offspring and are more vigorous. Home gardeners should purchase nursery-grown specimens for guaranteed quality, reliable variegation patterns, and characteristic pink new growth.

This dazzling beauty is absolutely spectacular—one of the most colourful variegated evergreens available! That brilliant bright pink-red new growth in spring is breathtaking—rivals any flower for impact! The variegated foliage in pink, cream, white, and green creates constant year-round interest, and regular pruning encourages continuous flushes of that stunning pink colour. Compact size perfect for smaller gardens and containers, white spring flowers, red berries. Remember full sun produces best colour, feed regularly to maintain variegation, and remove any all-green shoots immediately. Perfect for containers, mixed borders, and anywhere you want spectacular year-round colour and architectural presence. Pure colour magic!