Rhaphiolepis indica Pink Cloud

Rhaphiolepis indica 'Pink Cloud,' often called Raphiolepis delacourii 'Pink Cloud', forms a true pink cloud in spring. This compact and rounded evergreen bush offers a generous double flowering combining deep pink and white, set against its beautifully bronzed young leaves, mixed with mature dark green leaves. Truly beautiful, Rhaphiolepis is however somewhat hindered by slow growth, mediocre hardiness, and a proven sensitivity to limestone and moisture. However, it can withstand temperatures as low as -10°C when well established and is perfectly resistant to periods of drought, which explains why it is mostly planted in Mediterranean gardens. Its modest size and undeniable charm make it an excellent subject for the patio, protected from severe frost in cold regions.

Raphiolepis (x) delacourii is a horticultural creation born in France in 1896, not far from Cannes. It is the result of cross-breeding between Rhaphiolepis indica, also called Indian Hawthorn, native to southern China, and R.umbellata, native to Japan and Korea. These two slightly frost-sensitive species, native to warm and relatively dry regions of the Far East, are perfectly suited to our Mediterranean, Mediterranean or Atlantic climates.

The variety 'Pink Cloud' is an American selection with a compact habit and well-coloured double flowers. This bush naturally has a regular and rounded habit. It slowly reaches about 1.10m (4ft) in all directions. Its evergreen foliage in winter consists of tough, entire, elliptical leaves that are relatively narrow and pointed at the end. They measure 6 to 7cm (2 to 3in) in length, have a smooth margin at the base, with the upper part finely toothed. They emerge bronze-coloured and covered with a white pubescence in spring, then take on a beautiful shiny dark green colour in summer before turning red towards 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 Pink Cloudis 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.