28 saves
Rhaphiolepis
We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Rhaphiolepis varieties
Species of Rhaphiolepis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Rhaphiolepis in Sow
Save the Rhaphiolepis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Rhaphiolepis
Whats common across all Rhaphiolepis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them.
The Rhaphiolepis year
- FertilizeFebruary and March86% of varieties
Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- PruneMay and June71% of varieties
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape. Avoid heavy shearing.
- PlantFebruary, March, September, October and November57% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall in a well-drained location.
- Check for PestsApril–June57% of varieties
Check for leaf spot, especially during wet spring weather.
Do
- Water deeply but infrequently once established.
- Provide full sun for best flowering and densest growth.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained.
- Space plants appropriately to allow for good air circulation.
- Provide good air circulation to prevent disease.
Avoid
- Avoid frequent, shallow watering.
- Do not plant in heavy, wet soil.
- Don't shear into a tight ball; it ruins the natural form and can promote disease.
- Avoid planting less disease-resistant varieties in humid areas.
What goes wrong with Rhaphiolepis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters of small insects on new growth, leading to distorted leaves. | A strong spray of water can dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap for heavier infestations. |
| Scale | Small, immobile bumps on stems. Can cause yellowing of leaves. | Apply horticultural oil in early spring before new growth begins. |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Scale insects | Small, raised brown or white bumps on stems and leaf undersides, often accompanied by sticky honeydew or black sooty mould. | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap during cooler periods, ensuring thorough coverage of the stems. |
| Entomosporium Leaf Spot | Small, circular, red-purple spots on leaves that enlarge and develop gray centers. 'Eleanor Taber' is highly resistant. | Plant resistant cultivars. Rake up and destroy fallen leaves. Apply preventative fungicides if necessary on susceptible types. |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing of the plant, caused by poorly drained soil. | Plant in well-drained soil or on a slope. Water appropriately. No cure. |
| Fire Blight | Sudden wilting and blackening of new shoots, looking as if scorched by fire. | Prune out infected branches, cutting well into healthy wood. Disinfect pruners between cuts. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. |
Making more Rhaphiolepis
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings in summer.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Stick in a well-drained potting mix.
- Keep moist and in a humid environment; roots form in 6-8 weeks.
Semi-ripe stem cuttings
- Take 4 in cuttings from firm current-season growth in summer.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
- Root in a free-draining mix under cover with light shade.
Rhaphiolepis questions
How many types of Rhaphiolepis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Rhaphiolepis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 28 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Rhaphiolepis grow in?
Across its varieties, Rhaphiolepis covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Rhaphiolepis bloom?
Most Rhaphiolepis varieties bloom in mid-spring, early spring, autumn. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Rhaphiolepis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.