Creates Privacy without Excessive Height
Photinia fraseri ‘Black Jack’ is a striking compact hedging plant known for its dramatic deep green to near-black mature foliage and vibrant red new growth. Bred for tighter growth and smaller leaves than standard photinia, Black Jack is ideal for modern gardens, low hedges and formal borders where a refined look is essential.
Perfect for Melbourne gardens and temperate Australian climates, this hardy evergreen delivers year-round structure and colour.
🌱 Why Choose Photinia ‘Black Jack’?
✔ Compact & Dense Growth Habit – Ideal for low to medium hedging
✔ Brilliant Red New Growth – Stunning seasonal colour contrast
✔ Dark Mature Foliage – Rich, modern appearance
✔ Excellent for Screening – Creates privacy without excessive height
✔ Low Maintenance – Responds beautifully to pruning
✔ Evergreen Structure – Year-round coverage
📏 Mature Size
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Height: 1.5 – 2 metres
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Width: 1 – 1.5 metres
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Can be easily maintained lower with regular trimming
Its naturally tidy growth makes it perfect for front gardens, pathways, and boundary hedging.
🌞 Growing Conditions
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Position: Full sun to part shade
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Soil: Well-drained soil with organic matter
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Watering: Moderate once established
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Frost Tolerant: Yes
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Climate: Well suited to Melbourne and southern Australian regions
For best colour, plant in a sunny position — more sun encourages stronger red new growth.
✂️ Pruning & Care
Trim lightly after each flush of red growth to encourage dense branching and maintain its compact shape. Regular pruning enhances colour and keeps the hedge neat and structured.
Feed in spring and late summer with a quality organic fertiliser to promote healthy foliage.
🌿 Ideal Uses in the Landscape
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Low to medium privacy hedging
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Modern garden borders
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Feature shrub in structured gardens
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Driveway and fence line planting
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Mass planting for bold colour contrast
Photinia ‘Black Jack’ pairs beautifully with grasses, magnolias, lilly pillies and contemporary hardscaping for a polished finish.
A Modern Compact Photinia for Structured Australian Gardens
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance evergreen hedge with vibrant colour and a more compact habit than traditional photinia varieties, Photinia fraseri ‘Black Jack’ is an outstanding choice for residential and landscape planting projects.
