12 gardener saves
Rhaphiolepis: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 5 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 5 most-saved Rhaphiolepis varieties
Of 5 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedPink Lady Indian Hawthorn
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Pink Lady'
#2 most savedPinkie Indian Hawthorn
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Pinkie'
#3 most savedIndian Hawthorn
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow White'
Eleanor Taber Indian Hawthorne
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Conor'
Indian Hawthorn
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Clara'
How to grow Rhaphiolepis
What the Rhaphiolepis varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Rhaphiolepis year
- FertilizeFebruary and March100% of varieties
Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- PruneMay and June80% of varieties
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape. Avoid heavy shearing.
- PlantFebruary, March, September, October and November80% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall in a well-drained location.
- Check for PestsApril–June60% 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. |
| 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.
Rhaphiolepis questions
How many types of Rhaphiolepis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Rhaphiolepis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 12 real gardener saves — 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. 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.
Keep exploring
Rhaphiolepis shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Rhaphiolepis in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
