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RHAPHIOLEPIS x delacourii

Image of Rhaphiolepis x delacourii

Forest & Kim Starr

Family

Rosaceae

Botanical Name

RHAPHIOLEPIS x delacourii

Plant Common Name

Hybrid Indian Hawthorn

Special Notice

This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.

General Description

The attractive hybrid Indian hawthorn Rhaphiolepis x delacourii is an evergreen shrub with a dense mounded habit. It has good cold hardiness and offers an abundance of white or pink blooms, depending on variety from late winter to spring. The original plant crossing was accomplished in France around 1869.

All year round it has glossy, leathery leaves that are oval and have lightly toothed edges. New foliage is often red or bronze when it emerges and ages to a rich dark green. Its fragrant flowers appear from late winter to spring. They are produced in clusters at the ends of the branches. Each small bloom is star-shaped. These give way to small rounded fruits that turn blue-black when ripe.

Rhaphiolepis is tough and easy to grow. Though drought tolerant, it prefers rich, well-drained soil on the acid side. Full to partial sun is best for good growth but light shade is tolerated, particularly in very hot climates.

This is a common plant for hedges because it takes well to pruning and is attractive all season. It withstands salt, so it's ideal for coastal communities, and its resistance to harsh urban conditions makes it especially useful in urban parks and gardens.

Characteristics

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    8 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m

  • Width

    3'-8' / 0.9m - 2.4m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Early Winter, Winter, Late Winter

  • Native To

    Eastern Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Red, Pink

  • Fruit Color

    Blue, Purple, Dark Blue, Blue Violet, Black

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Orange, Dark Green, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    Yes

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No