How Far Apart Should You Plant Red Robin?
Individual Photinia Red Robin hedging plants should generally be planted between 45 and 60cm apart. This works out at approximately two to three plants per metre and allows them to grow together into a dense, continuous hedge.
The best spacing will depend on the size of the plants, how quickly you want the gaps to close and whether you are planting individual shrubs or established instant hedge units.
For instant hedging supplied in one metre troughs or Hedgebags, plant one unit per linear metre. The units are already grown together as a continuous section, so they should be positioned end to end without gaps.
Before planting, it is also important to choose the right time of year. Read our guide to when to plant Photinia Red Robin in the UK for seasonal planting advice.
Recommended Red Robin Hedge Spacing
For most individual Photinia Red Robin plants, use the following spacing:
45cm apart creates a denser hedge that should fill out more quickly.
50cm apart requires two plants per metre and provides a good balance between coverage and growing space.
60cm apart allows more room for each plant but may take longer to form a continuous hedge.
Spacing the plants much further apart may leave visible gaps for several growing seasons. Planting them too close together can cause unnecessary competition for water, nutrients and root space.
For most domestic gardens, planting at 50cm centres is a practical starting point.
How Many Red Robin Plants Do You Need Per Metre?
You will usually need between two and three individual Red Robin plants for every metre of hedge.
At 50cm spacing, you need two plants per metre.
At approximately 33cm spacing, you need three plants per metre.
Three plants per metre can be suitable for smaller or younger plants where faster coverage is the priority. Larger, bushier plants will usually need more space and may only require two plants per metre.
Always check the width and maturity of the plants you are purchasing. The recommended number may vary according to the plant size and how it has been grown.
Red Robin Plant Calculator
To estimate the number of individual plants required, divide the total length of the hedge by your chosen spacing.
For example, if your hedge will be 10 metres long:
At 50cm spacing, you will need approximately 20 plants.
At 40cm spacing, you will need approximately 25 plants.
At 60cm spacing, you will need approximately 17 plants.
It is sensible to measure the planting line carefully before ordering. Include the full length of the intended hedge, but exclude gateways, paths and other permanent gaps.
How Far Apart Should Instant Red Robin Hedges Be Planted?
Instant Red Robin hedging is spaced differently because each unit has already been grown as a continuous section of hedge.
Impact Hedging instant hedge units measure one metre in length. You need one unit for every linear metre of planting.
Place the units end to end so that the foliage meets naturally. There is no need to leave the 45 to 60cm spacing used for individual shrubs.
For example:
A 5 metre boundary needs five one metre hedge units.
A 10 metre boundary needs ten one metre hedge units.
A 12.5 metre boundary will usually need thirteen units if complete coverage is required.
Instant hedging gives you established density from the day of planting, avoiding the open gaps normally seen between younger individual plants.
Explore our Photinia Red Robin instant hedging for ready grown coverage.
Does Plant Size Affect Red Robin Spacing?
Yes, the size and width of each plant should influence its spacing.
Small plants can be positioned more closely because they need time to develop their width. Larger, more mature plants already have established side growth and may require greater spacing.
The root ball or container size must also be considered. Each plant needs enough room for its roots to establish without being compressed against neighbouring plants.
Rather than judging spacing by height alone, look at the overall width and density of the plant. A tall but narrow specimen may still need closer spacing than a shorter, bushier plant.
If you are unsure, follow the spacing recommendation provided for the exact plant size you are buying.
Should Red Robin Be Planted in a Single or Double Row?
A single row is suitable for most domestic Red Robin hedges.
Photinia naturally develops into a broad, bushy shrub and can form an effective screen when planted at the correct distance and pruned to encourage branching.
A double staggered row can create a wider hedge, but it requires more plants, more garden space and additional maintenance. It is rarely necessary for a standard residential boundary.
For a neat garden hedge, a well planted single row is usually the most practical option.
How Far Should Red Robin Be Planted From a Fence?
Where space allows, position the centre of each plant approximately 50 to 60cm away from a fence or wall.
This gives the roots and branches room to develop and makes it easier to reach the rear of the hedge for pruning and maintenance.
Avoid planting directly against a solid fence. Restricted airflow and limited access can make the hedge harder to maintain. Branches may also push through fence panels as the plants mature.
Consider the final width you want the hedge to reach, not only its size at planting. Photinia can become a large shrub when left untrimmed, although regular pruning will keep it at a manageable width.
How Far Apart Should Red Robin Be Planted for Privacy?
For a dense privacy hedge, individual plants are usually positioned around 45 to 50cm apart.
This closer spacing helps the branches meet sooner, but planting distance is not the only factor that determines density. Pruning is also important.
Once the plants begin growing, lightly trimming the leading shoots encourages them to branch out. This helps fill the spaces between plants and prevents the hedge from becoming tall and thin.
If immediate privacy is required, instant hedging is a more reliable solution. The plants have already been trained and grown together to provide established coverage at installation.
What Happens if Red Robin Is Planted Too Far Apart?
Plants positioned too far apart can still grow into healthy shrubs, but they may not create a continuous hedge.
Large gaps allow light to pass through at lower levels and can make the boundary look uneven. It may take several years for the side branches to meet, particularly if the plants are small when purchased.
If an existing hedge has been planted too widely, regular formative pruning can encourage outward growth. In some cases, additional plants can be added between the original shrubs, provided there is enough space for their roots.
What Happens if Red Robin Is Planted Too Close Together?
Very close planting may create quick initial coverage, but it can lead to unnecessary competition as the hedge matures.
Crowded plants compete for:
- Water
- Nutrients
- Root space
- Light
- Air circulation
Poor airflow can also make damp foliage slower to dry. Giving each plant sufficient room helps create a stronger and healthier hedge over the long term.
The goal is to achieve even coverage without forcing too many plants into a limited area.
How to Mark Out Red Robin Spacing
Use a string line to mark a straight planting route before digging.
Measure from the centre of one plant to the centre of the next, rather than measuring the gap between the edges of the pots or root balls.
For 50cm spacing, place a marker every half metre along the string. Position each plant at a marker and check the layout before filling the planting trench.
This simple step helps prevent uneven spacing and makes it easier to calculate the correct number of plants.
Planting Red Robin at the Correct Depth
Correct spacing should be combined with correct planting depth.
Plant each Red Robin at the same depth it was growing in its container. Avoid burying the stem or leaving the upper roots exposed.
Firm the soil gently around each root ball, water thoroughly and apply organic mulch around the base. Keep the mulch away from direct contact with the stems.
Newly planted Red Robin hedging needs regular watering while its root system establishes, especially during dry spring or summer weather.
For guidance on choosing the right planting season, visit our complete article about when to plant Photinia Red Robin in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should Red Robin hedging plants be?
Plant individual Red Robin hedging plants approximately 45 to 60cm apart. This gives each plant room to establish while allowing the branches to grow together.
How many Red Robin plants do I need per metre?
Most Red Robin hedges require two to three individual plants per metre. The exact number depends on the size and width of the plants.
Can I plant Red Robin one metre apart?
You can plant large specimens one metre apart, but smaller individual plants may leave visible gaps for a considerable time. One metre spacing is usually more appropriate for established specimens or one metre instant hedge units.
How many instant hedge units do I need?
You need one one metre instant hedge unit for every linear metre of hedge. Position each unit end to end to create continuous coverage.
How close can Red Robin be planted to a fence?
Where possible, leave around 50 to 60cm between the centre of the hedge and the fence. This provides room for growth, airflow and future maintenance.
Can I plant Red Robin in a double row?
Yes, but a double row is not normally necessary for a domestic hedge. A correctly spaced and maintained single row should develop into a dense screen.
Final Thoughts
Individual Photinia Red Robin plants should normally be spaced between 45 and 60cm apart, with approximately two to three plants used per metre.
Closer spacing can produce faster coverage, while wider spacing gives larger plants more room to develop. The correct choice depends on the size of the plants and how quickly you want the hedge to fill in.
For instant Red Robin hedging, use one established one metre unit per linear metre and place the units end to end.
Once you have calculated your spacing, read our guide to when to plant Photinia Red Robin in the UK to give your new hedge the best possible start.