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

Description and botany

Rhaphiolepis is an evergreen bush of the family Rosaceae native to warm, relatively dry lower mountain regions of Asia (China, Japan and Korea). Moderately hardy, yet well tolerant of drought and sea spray, it prefers southern, Mediterranean or oceanic climates rather than montane or continental ones.

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

Rhaphiolepis displays a bushy, spreading habit, naturally rounded with a neat outline. Nearly as tall as wide, it will slowly form a small, highly ramified bush of 1 to 2 m with almost the same spread.

Young brown-red shoots bear a particularly decorative evergreen leaf display that shows changing hues through the seasons as the olive green of adult leaves blends with the purplish green of new growth. Leaves are alternate, narrow, leathery, entire, elliptical or spatulate, with almost smooth margins finely dentate toward the tip and ending in a point. They measure 5 to 10 cm in length. They emerge bronzy green and covered with white pubescence at bud burst, then take on a glossy olive green above and a bluish underside in summer, before revealing lovely red tones at first frosts.

Raphiolepis ovata – botanical illustration

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

Each cluster bears around ten small 5-petalled flowers, as with all plants of the family 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, powder pink to vivid carmine pink depending on variety, recall simplicity of apple blossom. Each is delicately set within a pretty green calyx tinged with red and reveals at its centre a bouquet of white or purple stamens that enhance its brilliance.

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 are red then blue-black when ripe, and which persist for a long time on the bush.

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 overwintered sheltered from severe frosts.

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

Place in a sunny or semi-shaded position, sheltered from winds and cold draughts. Undemanding as to soil type, slightly acidophilous, it prefers light, well-drained soils, neutral to acidic. It does, however, dislike heavy, waterlogged soils, especially in winter.

Versatile, Rhaphiolepis integrates perfectly into any garden with mild winters, and is splendid in small spaces. Its modest dimensions and elegant silhouette permit 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 sugar-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. Lovely 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 a compact habit and more brightly coloured flowers. Plant in a border, in 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 fragrant flowering make it an excellent choice for a terrace, to be protected 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?

Offering average frost tolerance, 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 position if you wish to try growing it in an area with harsh winters, although in cold regions we recommend planting it in pots and moving them under cover during severe frosts.

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

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

Regarding soil, it shows a clear sensitivity to lime and will grow easily in neutral or slightly acidic soils that are light, rich in compost and above all well drained: once well rooted it will even tolerate occasionally dry soil in summer. It is truly only afraid of heavy, waterlogged soils in winter.

Wider than tall and of moderate size, Rhaphiolepis can be used as a small flowering hedge, as an edge to a bed of perennials 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 preferably 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 open 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 the rootball for 15 minutes in water before planting
• Dig a hole 3 to 4 times wider than the bucket
• Spread gravel to help ensure good 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
• Replace the soil to backfill the hole, taking care not to break the rootball
• Firm down with the foot
• Water generously at planting
• Mulch the base

Find more planting tips in our video.

In a pot

Container growing is easy because the bush has fairly modest growth and is simple 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 the roots cool
• In cold regions, bring pots indoors to shelter them from severe frosts

Maintenance, pruning and care

For the 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 weekly and reduce water in winter. In mild areas, in winter protect pots from rain and frost. In cold areas, in October bring them inside to a frost-free conservatory or an unheated greenhouse and return them in May. Top-dress each spring and repot every 3 years.

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

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

Raphiolepis ‘Spring Time’

Potential diseases and pests

This bush is fairly hardy provided growing conditions are met.

In poorly drained soil, in an overly rainy climate or if moisture remains stagnant around the roots, Rhaphiolepis will mainly be affected by cryptogamic diseases caused by fungi, 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 the ground. As a preventive measure in spring, as soon as new shoots appear, spray Bordeaux mixture and regularly spray with nettle manure.

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

Propagation: propagation by cuttings, layering

The simplest and quickest method 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 an unheated greenhouse, as fresh seeds germinate very quickly in about ten days.

Taking cuttings of Rhaphiolepis

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

• After flowering, take cuttings about 6 to 10 cm long
• Remove all leaves from lower part
• Cut just below a leaf node and strip bark for a few centimetres
• Insert cuttings into a mixture of turf and river sand, spacing them 5 cm apart
• Keep moist
• Keep in enclosed, humid conditions under a mini greenhouse until autumn
• Then keep rooted cuttings frost-free during winter
• Plant out in soil or repot into pots the following spring

By layering

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

Associate

With low water requirements, Rhaphiolepis is a very interesting bush for a dry garden and for planting without irrigation. It brings colour and density to borders as well as rockeries, and can be used equally in informal flowering hedges, as a specimen or even in a pot. With its glossy evergreen foliage, it will be an attractive decorative specimen all year round.

It is perfectly suited to a scree garden, on a large bank alongside Mediterranean bushes or sun-loving perennials such as Cistus, Abutilons, Calistemons, woody thymes, armoise, ballotes, phlomis, Teucriums.

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

In a large bed, it can be paired with bushes that flower in summer or spring such as Californian lilacs, Kolkwitzia amabilis, Leptospermum, Melaleuca and buddleias for beautiful low‑maintenance flowering displays.

Its resistance to sea spray makes it ideal for planting by the sea as 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 flowering plants such as Achillea, Coreopsis, shrubby salvias, Penstemon and the purple foliage of some Heuchera or bushes like Cotinus or Acer.