Rhaphiolepis indica

Rhaphiolepis x delacourii Springtime

Rhaphiolepis indica is an undemanding and tough evergreen shrub from China, even though it is often known as Indian hawthorn. It belongs to the Rosaceae family, so has a kinship with plants such as Malus, Chaenomeles, Photinia, Spiraea and Rosa. It has glossy evergreen leaves and panicles of pink-blushed white, lightly scented, star-shaped flowers in early spring, followed by dark-coloured berries. Height is to 3-4 m, or even more if left umpruned. A recent cultivar is 'Cosmic White' (ht 1.5-2 m), with larger flowers than the species. More compact cultivars of the shrub include 'Cosmic Pink' (large pink blooms, ht 80 cm) and 'Snow Maiden' (white flowers, coppery new growth, ht 1 m). There are also various other species and crosses, including Rhaphiolepis x delacouri (ht 2 m), with rose-pink or dark pink flowers. Its cultivar 'Springtime' (1-1.5 m) is a compact cultivar with pale pink star-shaped flowers that have a light fragrance. The new leaves in spring are often coppery or bronze.

Rhaphiolepis indica hedge in the Sydney garden of Alida Gray

Rhaphiolepis indica hedge in the Sydney garden of Alida Gray

Rhaphiolepis grows easily in a sunny position (though can also tolerate part-shade, where its habit will be more open and the flowering less profuse) and is not troubled by any pests or diseases. It can be trimmed back lightly to shape after flowering and benefits from an occasional dose of fertiliser when the rest of the garden is being done. The lower branches can be removed from the taller-growing types, to shape it like an attractive small tree. The compact forms can make an excellent low hedge and can be grown in containers. It is suitable for seaside gardens. It is moderately frost tolerant. It can be propagated from cuttings taken in late summer. It can look attractive with a carpet of the pink-and-white variegated Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Tricolor' growing around it. Once established, it is a tough and resilient plant. It is growing well under huge Bunya pines in a local park in my area.

Bees are attracted to the flowers of this shrub in spring. Note that some authorities regard this plant as a weed as it can escape by seed into bushland areas. The cultivars may be less likely to do this.