Overview
Rhaphiolepis umbellata is a bushy evergreen shrub in the genus Rhaphiolepis, part of the Rosaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 2.5 m tall. Rhaphiolepis umbellata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include wall side borders, city and courtyard gardens and conservatory and greenhouse. It is native to China Southeast, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto and Taiwan.
About
Rhaphiolepis umbellata or Sexton's bride is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae, native to Korea, Japan and Taiwan. Growing to 1.5 m (5 ft) tall and wide, it is an evergreen shrub with glossy oval leaves, and scented white flowers, sometimes tinged with pink, in early summer.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rhaphiolepis umbellata
About the genus
Rhaphiolepis is a genus of about fifteen species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the family Rosaceae, native to warm temperate and subtropical East Asia and Southeast Asia, from southern Japan, southern Korea and southern China, south to Thailand and Vietnam. In searching literature it is well to remember that the name commonly is misspelt "Raphiolepsis". The genus is closely related to Eriobotrya (loquats), so closely in fact, that members of the two genera have hybridised with each other; for example × Rhaphiobotrya, the "Coppertone loquat", is a hybrid of Eriobotrya deflexa X Rhaphiolepis indica.
Wikipedia contributors, "Rhaphiolepis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rhaphiolepis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Rhaphiolepis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Rhaphiolepis umbellata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Evergreen shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5 m
- Suggested uses
- Wall side borders, City and courtyard gardens, Conservatory and greenhouse
- Native to
- China Southeast, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, Taiwan
- Fragrance
- Scented
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Rhaphiolepis umbellata
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates coastal conditions, prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering, Seed sown under heated glass
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Rhaphiolepis umbellata?
Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates coastal conditions, prune after flowering to maintain shape.
Where is the best place to plant Rhaphiolepis umbellata?
Rhaphiolepis umbellata prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Rhaphiolepis umbellata need?
Rhaphiolepis umbellata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Rhaphiolepis umbellata?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
How big does Rhaphiolepis umbellata grow?
Rhaphiolepis umbellata reaches a height of 2.5 m.
Is Rhaphiolepis umbellata hardy in the UK?
Rhaphiolepis umbellata has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Rhaphiolepis umbellata?
Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering, Seed sown under heated glass.
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