This annual herb has an erect stem reaching 0.7 metres (2.3 ft) in maximum height. It is covered in glandular hairs. The leaf blades are somewhat rounded with toothed edges. The inflorescence is a loose cyme of flowers. The flower has a bright blue corolla up to 4 centimeters long which can be bell-shaped, funnel-shaped, or round and flattened. It can have white spots in the throat. The protruding stamens and style can be 4.5 centimeters long. The fruit is a capsule up to 1.5 centimeters long.
Water the plant once a week at its base during dry periods, and avoid getting the leaves wet. Once established, red tip photinia has a good tolerance for short periods of drought.
The best place to grow red tip photinia is in a spot that receives full sunlight to partial shade. This plant is tolerant of most soil types, but the soil does need to be well-draining. Fertile loam or light soil with a low clay content is best. If your soil is extremely heavy, amend it with some sand before planting.
