Frasers Photinia vs Red Tip Photinia

Q. What is the difference between “Red Tip Photinia” and “Fraser's Photinia”?

Red Tip or Frasers Photinia

A. My understanding is that they are the same plant, just different common names. The Latin name has both Photinia and Fraser (fraseri) in it. This explains why it is sometimes called Fraser’s Photinia. Because it’s new spring growth  is red, it is sometimes called Red Tip, or Red Tipped Photinia. I prefer the name “Red Tip Photinia” because it describes the plant better than calling it “Fraser’s Photinia” or just “Red Tip”.

            When in doubt about the plant go back to the Latin name to see if it’s the same plant. Plants can have several different common names but only one agreed upon Latin name.

            By the way, this plant is considered “mesic” (needs to be watered more often than “xeric” plants), grows better in amended soil and doesn’t like to grow in hot spots or surrounded by rock.