<em>Rhaphiolepis</em>: planting, pruning, care

Description and botany

Rhaphiolepis is an evergreen bush of the family Rosaceae native to warm, rather dry lower-montane regions of Asia (China, Japan and Korea). Of moderate hardiness but very tolerant of drought and sea spray, it prefers our southern, Mediterranean or oceanic climates rather than montane or continental ones.

The genus comprises fewer than ten species, including Rhaphiolepis indica (syn. Crataegus indica) or Rhaphiolepis of India (sometimes called “Indian hawthorn”), which is little cultivated in our climates, and Rhaphiolepis umbellata (syn. japonica) or Rhaphiolepis of Japan. The Rhaphiolepis x delacourii or Delacour’s Rhaphiolepis is a hardier hybrid resulting from cross-breeding between these two species.

Rhaphiolepis has a spreading, bushy habit, naturally rounded with a neat outline. Almost as tall as wide, it will slowly form a small, densely ramified bush of 1 to 2 m, with nearly the same spread.

Young reddish-brown shoots bear a particularly decorative evergreen leaf display that shows changing highlights through the seasons as the olive-green of mature leaves blends with the purplish-green of new shoots. Leaves are alternate, narrow, leathery, entire, elliptical or spatulate, with margins almost smooth and finely dentate on the upper part, ending in a point. They measure 5 to 10 cm long. They emerge bronze-green and covered with white pubescence at bud burst, then become , before revealing handsome red shades at the first frosts.

Raphiolepis ovata – botanical illustration

Spring or summer flowering occurs from March–April through to August, depending on climate. However, flowering is most abundant in mid-spring. The glossy foliage is then covered with a profusion of small star-shaped flowers gathered in airy panicles at the tips of the young purplish shoots.

Each cluster bears around ten small 5-petalled flowers as in all Rosaceae, pearly, oval, 1 to 3 cm wide. They are accompanied by pointed bracts, which gave the bush its name meaning “needle”. These flowers, from pale pink to powder pink or bright carmine depending on variety, recall simplicity of apple blossom. Each is delicately enclosed in a pretty green calyx tinged with red and reveals at its centre a bouquet of white or purple stamens that enhance its brightness.

These delicate, very melliferous corollas exhale a fresh fragrance that attracts pollinating insects.

Once faded, flowers give way to small pruinose pear-shaped berries that turn red then blue-black at ripeness, and persist on the bush for a long time.

Although hardy to -10/-12°C, Rhaphiolepis prefers mild winters and is ideally grown in Mediterranean or southern Atlantic climates. In colder regions, it is better cultivated in pots and moved indoors for winter to avoid severe frosts.

This bush dislikes icy winds and severe cold but tolerates drought and sea spray common in coastal gardens.

It grows in sunny or partial shade, sheltered from winds and cold draughts. Undemanding as to soil type, slightly acidophilous, it likes light, well-drained soils, neutral to acidic. It does, however, dislike heavy soils, waterlogged especially in winter.

Versatile, Rhaphiolepis fits perfectly into any garden with mild winters, and is excellent in small spaces. Its modest size and elegant silhouette allow many uses: in borders, as a flowering hedge and even grown in a large pot in regions with mild winters.

Main species and varieties

Most popular

Our favourites

Rhaphiolepis indica Springtime

Another delightful American selection with a compact habit and candy-pink flowers. Perfect for seaside gardens, in a border, a small hedge or in a pot.

• Flowering time June to August
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Rhaphiolepis umbellata f. ovata

This cultivar is a selection with a compact, spreading bushy habit and white flowering. Attractive in a romantic garden exposed to sea spray or in a garden sheltered from severe frosts.

• Flowering time June to August
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Rhaphiolepis delacourii Coates Crimson

An American horticultural selection with compact habit and more brightly coloured flowers. Plant in a border, a small hedge, or on a sheltered terrace.

• Flowering time May to August
• Height at maturity 1,10 m

See the product sheet

Rhaphiolepis indica Pink Cloud

This variety forms a true pink cloud in spring. Its modest stature and scented flowering make it an excellent plant for a terrace; protect from severe frosts in cold regions.

• Flowering time June to August
• Height at maturity 1,10 m

See the product sheet

Planting

Where to plant Rhaphiolepis?

With average frost hardiness down to -10/-12°C, Rhaphiolepis is best planted in regions south of the Loire, in southern, Mediterranean or oceanic climates where winters are relatively mild. It should be planted sheltered from winds and cold winter draughts that damage its evergreen foliage and flowering, for example near a south-facing wall. It will appreciate a well-sheltered situation if you wish to try growing it in an area with harsh winters, although in cold regions we recommend planting it in pots and bringing them indoors to protect from severe frosts.

Rhaphiolepis is tolerant of sea spray and pollution, making it a good bush for seaside and urban gardens. This bush is also a boon for dry gardens.

It will prefer full sun to flower well but will tolerate partial shade, particularly in warm climates.

Regarding soil, it shows clear sensitivity to calcareous soils and will grow easily in neutral or slightly acidic, light soils rich in compost and above all well drained: once well rooted it will even tolerate occasionally dry soil in summer. It really only fears heavy, waterlogged soils in winter.

Wider than tall and of moderate size, Rhaphiolepis can be used in a small flowering hedge, as an edge to a perennial border or with other bushes, in a large rockery, or in a pot on a well-sheltered terrace or balcony to fully enjoy its fragrance.

When to plant Rhaphiolepis?

Planting Rhaphiolepis is best done in spring from March to June or in autumn in mild climates.

How to plant Rhaphiolepis?

Depending on use, space plants 80 cm to 1 m apart.

In the ground

Rhaphiolepis dislikes soils that are too heavy with poor drainage. Improve drainage if necessary by adding coarse sand, gravel and some well-rotted compost. If soil is too calcareous, be sure to add heather soil and compost.

• Soak rootball for 15 minutes in water before planting
• Dig a hole 3 to 4 times wider than the bucket
• Spread gravel to help ensure drainage
• Make a small mound at the bottom of the hole to support the roots
• Place the bush in the centre of the planting hole, collar at soil level
• Backfill with soil, taking care not to break the rootball
• Firm down with foot
• Water well at planting
• Mulch around base

Find even more tips to succeed with planting in our video.

In a pot

Container culture is easy because the bush has a fairly modest growth habit, easy to contain.

• Spread a layer of drainage clay balls at the bottom of a container at least 45 cm in diameter
• Plant in a mix of heather soil and potting compost.
• Mulch to keep roots cool
• In cold regions, bring containers indoors to protect from severe frosts

Maintenance, pruning and care

During first two years, monitor water needs of your Rhaphiolepis to encourage establishment. Once well established, this will no longer be necessary, it is a bush that tolerates periods of drought well.

In a pot, water once a week and reduce watering in winter. In mild areas, in winter shelter pots from rain and frost. In cold regions, in October bring them frost-free into a conservatory or cool greenhouse and put them out again in May. Top-dress each spring and repot every 3 years.

It is advisable to mulch the base generously before summer to keep roots cool and in winter to protect the stump from cold. A winter fleece can be useful to protect aerial parts from sharp frosts and dry, icy winds.

Given slow, modest growth, pruning is not essential. Immediately after flowering, carry out a light pruning to remove spent flowers and, if necessary, thin, dead or damaged shoots.

Raphiolepis ‘Spring Time’

Diseases and potential pests

This bush is fairly resistant if growing conditions are met.

In poorly drained soil, in overly wet climate or if moisture stagnates around roots, Rhaphiolepis is mainly susceptible to fungal diseases, notably Entomosporium maculatum. Entomosporiosis causes round reddish-brown spots to appear on leaves, which eventually yellow and fall. Remove affected leaves and twigs and collect fallen dead leaves from soil. As a preventive measure in spring, as soon as new shoots appear, spray with Bordeaux mixture and make regular sprays of nettle manure.

If excess lime in soil, bush may develop a chlorosis: leaves discolour and yellow. Water only with rainwater and try to improve soil by adding heather soil and lightly forking it into the surface at the base.

Propagation: propagation by cuttings, layering

The simplest and quickest way to multiply the Rhaphiolepis is propagation by cuttings. It is also possible to layer the bush in autumn. You can also try sowing in late winter under a cold frame or in a cool greenhouse, as fresh seeds germinate very quickly in about ten days.

Propagate Rhaphiolepis

In July–August, when shoots begin to turn into hard wood, take semi-ripe cuttings.

• After flowering, take cuttings about 6 to 10 cm long
• Remove all leaves from the lower part
• Cut just below a leaf node and strip the bark for a few cm
• Insert the cuttings into a mix of turf and river sand, spacing them 5 cm apart
• Keep moist
• Keep covered until autumn in a mini greenhouse
• Then keep the rooted cuttings protected from frost during winter
• Plant out in open ground or pot on the following spring

By layering

• In October, bend down a low branch towards the soil
• Remove leaves touching the soil and nick the bark slightly
• Dig a 10 cm deep hole and add a few handfuls of moist compost
• Bury the exposed branch so it can root
• Stake the above-ground part and cover with compost
• Water well
• The following spring, separate the layer from the parent plant if it has sufficient roots: cut the stem where it enters the soil
• Replant in the garden at the chosen spot

Associate

Drought-tolerant, the Rhaphiolepis is a very interesting bush for a dry garden with no watering. It brings colour and density to borders as well as rockeries but can also be used in an informal flowering hedge, as a specimen or even in a pot. With its evergreen glossy green foliage, it will be an attractive decorative feature all year round.

It is perfectly suited to a scree garden, on a large bank in the company of Mediterranean bushes or sun-loving perennials such as Cistus, Abutilon, Calistemon, woody thymes, Artemisia, ballota, Phlomis, Teucrium.

An idea for a sunny planting in very well-drained soil: Raphiolepis ovata, Artemisia arborescens ‘Powis Castle’, Cistus x loretii, Euphorbia martinii, Erysimum Bowl’s Mauve and Santolina chamaecyparis

In a large border, it can be paired with bushes with summer or spring flowering such as California lilacs, Kolkwitzia amabilis, Leptospermum or Melaleuca and buddleias for beautiful low-maintenance flower displays.

Its tolerance to sea spray makes it ideal for planting by the sea in an evergreen hedge with Olearia and Escallonia.

In an evergreen flowering hedge, it will accompany Abelias, Pieris, Japanese Azaleas, Cotoneasters, Japanese Euonymus and hebe or shrubby veronicas.

It will be companion to other acidophilous bushes such as Kalmias, Deutzias, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Rhododendrons or Camellias that will accompany its flowering.

Its pink flowers and reddish shoots combine well with red flower displays such as those of Achilleas, Coreopsis, shrubby sages, a Penstemon and the purple foliage of some Heuchera or bushes like Cotinus or Acer.