Rhaphiobotrya Coppertone - Hybrid loquat

Rhaphiobotrya 'Coppertone' is a evergreen hybrid shrub that is as ornamental as it is astonishing. It is the result of cross-breeding between a loquat and a rhaphiolepis. Its foliage emerges coppery, like that of a Photinia, and its spring flowering is incredibly generous, with fragrant panicles of small pale pink flowers that resemble those of a Raphiolepis. Despite a lack of extensive research, it seems that this shrub easily adapts to any ordinary soil, even dry in summer, and can withstand short frosts of around -10/-12 °C (14/10.4°F) in a sheltered position. These qualities make it tempting to try growing it in the ground or in a container in many mild regions!

Rhaphiobotrya 'Coppertone' is sometimes presented as a cultivar of Eriobotrya japonica (also known as the Japanese loquat or bibacier), and it is also found in horticultural trade under names such as Eriobotrya deflexa 'Coppertone', Rhaphiolepis indica 'Coppertone', or Rhaphiolepis 'Coppertone'. However, it is probably a hybrid between an Eriobotrya deflexa (the Taiwan loquat, or bronze loquat, a large evergreen Chinese bush with coppery young leaves, not very hardy, with autumn flowering) and another ornamental plant from the vast Rosaceae family: Rhaphiolepis indica (smaller, slightly hardier, with pink and fragrant spring and autumn flowering). It was obtained a few years ago in Oregon.

Rhaphiobotrya 'Coppertone' is an evergreen shrub with a broad, bushy habit, slightly taller than wide. Its growth is rather slow, depending on the growing conditions, but faster than that of a Raphiolepis. At maturity, it will reach about 4.50 m (15ft) in height and 3 m (10ft) in spread under good conditions. In pots, its dimensions will not exceed 2 m (7ft) in all directions. Its leaves, coppery brown when they emerge, then turn a medium green colour with a glossy appearance. Entire and irregularly dentate along the edges, the leaves vaguely resemble those of a chestnut tree or a loquat. They are thick, leathery, elongated in shape, and measure an average of 14 cm (6in) in length and 4 cm (2in) in width. The flowering occurs quite early in spring, in March-April, depending on the climate. It sometimes blooms again in late summer in moist soil. At the tips of the branches, panicles or thyrses composed of numerous small star-shaped flowers, 1 to 2 cm (1in) in diameter, appear. The flowers are white suffused with pink and pleasantly fragrant. This flowering attracts pollinators. After pollination, fleshy and edible fruits, the size and shape of small plums, form in favourable climates, with a yellow-orange colour.

The hybrid loquat 'Coppertone' is a superb ornamental shrub that should definitely be tested. Apparently hardy down to -12 °C (10.4°F) in sheltered locations, it performs very well in soils that get dry in summer, even with a certain amount of lime. It should thrive in many coastal regions or even inland, in areas spared from severe frosts. Perhaps even in more continental climates, planted in the ground against a south-facing wall, in a large container on a well-protected terrace or balcony. Easy to grow in ordinary soil, this shrub is endowed with unique charm. It will find its place in a flowering hedge, a large shrub border, or as a standalone plant in a small garden. It can also become a highly prized and beautiful specimen on the terrace, alongside oleanders, mimosas, or escallonias.