Rhaphiolepis umbellata

Common Name:
Yeddo Hawthorn

Description:
Rhaphiolepis umbellata, commonly known as Yeddo Hawthorn, is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy dark green foliage, fragrant flowers, and excellent tolerance to coastal and urban conditions. Native to Japan and Korea, this slow-growing ornamental shrub produces dense clusters of white to pale pink flowers in spring, which attract bees and other pollinators. The foliage is leathery and deep green, sometimes taking on bronze tones in cooler months, and is accompanied by small blue-black berries in autumn that provide food for birds.

This hardy species performs exceptionally well in Melbourne's climate, thriving in full sun to part shade and tolerating drought, salt-laden winds, and light frost once established. It is commonly used in hedging, screening, and coastal plantings thanks to its compact habit and high tolerance of poor soils and air pollution. It also responds well to pruning and can be shaped for formal gardens or left natural for informal plantings.

Form:
*Shrub – Medium
*Shrub – Small

Mature Size:
*Height: 1.5–2.5 metres
*Width: 1.5–2 metres

Aspect:
*Full Sun
*Part Shade

Flowering:
*Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:
*White
*Pale pink (occasionally, depending on form and age)

Key Attributes:
*Suitable for Pots
*Drought Tolerant
*Frost Tolerant
*Low Maintenance
*Bird Attracting (berries)
*Bee Attracting
*Suitable for Hedging
*Suitable for Topiary
*Coastal Tolerant
*Pollution Tolerant
*Evergreen
*Scented Flowers

Toxicity:
*Non-toxic to humans
*Non-toxic to pets

Companion Plants:
*Liriope muscari
*Trachelospermum jasminoides
*Lavandula dentata
*Westringia fruticosa
*Nandina domestica