Rhaphiolepis indica Springtime

Rhaphiolepis indica Springtime, often called Raphiolepis delacourii Springtime, is a small evergreen bush that is absolutely charming, but has slow growth, mediocre hardiness, and a proven sensitivity to limestone and moisture. However, it can withstand temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F) when well-established and can tolerate periods of drought, which explains why it is often planted in Mediterranean gardens. Not very tall, highly branched, with a rounded silhouette and a clean appearance, it blooms abundantly in late spring, with paniculate clusters which are a very fresh pink colour above a dome of foliage where the dark green of mature leaves and the bronze-pink of young shoots blend together. It is a valuable bush for dry gardens, which are often lacking flowers in summer. Its modest size and true elegance make it an excellent subject for the patio, protected from heavy frost in cold regions.

Raphiolepis delacourii is a horticultural creation born in France in 1896, not far from Cannes. It is the result of cross-breeding between R.indica, also known as Indian Hawthorn, native to southern China, and R.umbellata, native to Japan and Korea. These two slightly tender species, originating from warm and relatively dry regions of the Far East, are perfectly adapted to Mediterranean, southern Atlantic, or southern climates.

The 'Springtime' variety is an American selection with a compact habit and candy pink flowers. This bush naturally has a regular and rounded habit. It slowly reaches a size of 1.50m (5ft) in all directions. Its evergreen foliage consists of coriaceous, entire, elliptical leaves that are relatively narrow and pointed. They measure 6 to 7cm (2 to 3in) in length, have a smooth margin at the base, and the upper part is finely toothed. They emerge as coppery bronze buds and covered with white pubescence in spring, then turn a beautiful shiny dark green in summer before becoming red at the end of their life. The young branches are reddish-brown. This harmony of colours creates an interesting bush throughout the year. The flowering takes place from March-April to July, depending on the climate, reaching its peak in spring. At the end of each branching, reddish clusters of about ten small star-shaped flowers with ten oval petals, 2.5 to 3cm (1in) wide, are born. These pink flowers are enclosed in a pubescent calyx tinged with pink-red and carried by purple peduncles. The flowering is followed by the formation of small ovoid berries, less than 1cm (0.5in) in size, which are red and then turn blue-black when ripe, persisting for a long time on the branches. Fresh seeds germinate very easily and quickly, within 8 days.

Rhaphiolepis Springtime is a perfectly rounded bush, well-groomed, floriferous, colourful, and absolutely delightful. If your climate and soil allow it, plant it in a bed or a small hedge, but also on a sheltered and sunny patio. While it dislikes excessive limestone in the soil, icy winds, and cold winters, it does not fear heat or dry summers once established and can even bloom in semi-shady conditions. It is useful in coastal gardens, as its flowering, like that of Olearias and Escallonia, brightens the grey foliage of Atriplex, Bupleurum fruticosum, or Correa alba rosea, for example. In a large bed, it can be combined with cistus, lavender, Hebe, or early-flowering bushes such as lilacs (Syringa microphylla Superba), Kolkwitzia amabilis, Leptospermum, or Melaleuca. It adapts quite well to being grown in a large pot, which can be stored frost-free in winter.