Overview

Rhaphiolepis umbellata f. ovata is a bushy shrubs in the genus Rhaphiolepis, part of the Rosaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Rhaphiolepis umbellata f. ovata grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, conservatory and greenhouse and wall side borders.

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.

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 4.0Rhaphiolepis

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Rhaphiolepis

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Rhaphiolepis umbellata f. ovata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Conservatory and greenhouse, Wall side borders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Rhaphiolepis umbellata f. ovata

Propagation
Semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Rhaphiolepis umbellata f. ovata?

Rhaphiolepis umbellata f. ovata prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Rhaphiolepis umbellata f. ovata need?

Rhaphiolepis umbellata f. ovata grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Rhaphiolepis umbellata f. ovata hardy in the UK?

Rhaphiolepis umbellata f. ovata has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Rhaphiolepis umbellata f. ovata?

Semi-ripe cuttings.