Rhaphiolepis x delacourii

Rhaphiolepis x delacourii

Common name: Indian Hawthorn, Pink Indian Hawthorn

Description: This attractive evergreen shrub brings a touch of elegance with its profusion of delicate flowers and glossy foliage. From late spring through early summer, the plant produces abundant clusters of soft pink star-shaped flowers that age to white, creating a charming two-tone effect. The blooms are lightly fragrant and are followed by small blue-black berries in autumn. The leathery, oval leaves are a lustrous dark green, often developing attractive bronze-red tints in winter, providing year-round interest. The naturally compact, rounded habit creates a neat, dense shrub that requires minimal pruning. This versatile plant is perfect for mixed borders, low hedging, containers, or coastal gardens where its tolerance of salt winds is particularly valuable. The combination of attractive flowers, glossy foliage, and manageable size makes this an excellent choice for contemporary and traditional gardens alike.

Other benefits: evergreen foliage, fragrant flowers, bronze winter foliage tints, compact rounded habit, excellent for containers, tolerates coastal conditions, low maintenance

Wildlife attraction: bees, butterflies, pollinators, birds (berries)

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1.2m x 1.2m

Position: full sun to partial shade; best flowering in full sun; requires shelter from cold winds

Soil pH: adaptable; prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils but tolerates slightly alkaline conditions

Moisture: moderate watering; prefers well-drained soil; reasonably drought tolerant once established

Winter hardiness: borderline hardy to -10°C; requires a sheltered position; may suffer damage in harsh winters but usually recovers