Rhaphiolepis Umbelliata Ovata - Yeddo Hawthorne Ovata

Rhaphiolepis Umbelliata Ovata is a handsome evergreen shrub with pretty light pink fragrant flowers in spring followed by blue berries in autumn. It suits sunny, sheltered positions such as mixed flower borders and wall side spots.

Rhaphiolepis umbellata is native to Korea, Japan and Taiwan and it’s often known as Yeddo Hawthorne Ovata. It has leathery mid-green foliage that covers its rounded bushy framework throughout the year. Paler new foliage joins it in spring before maturing to match the established foliage.

In June, light pink flowers emerge in clusters on its branch tips and smother the whole shrub in a cloud of lightly scented pretty pink. Pollinators love these flowers because the nectar is easily accessed through the open flower faces. This is an attractive bushy evergreen for sheltered borders and wildlife-friendly gardens that’s not often seen in the UK.

Height And Spread of Rhaphiolepis Umbelliata Ovata
Rhaphiolepis Umbelliata Ovata will reach around 1.2 metres tall and has a softly round habit taking it to about a metre in spread.

How Hardy Is Rhaphiolepis Umbelliata Ovata
Although it’s hardy in the UK, Yeddo Hawthorne Ovata is damaged by harsh frosts. It’s best grown in the milder south in a sheltered sunny spot.  

How To Use Rhaphiolepis Umbelliata Ovata
This is a lovely flowering evergreen shrub for low maintenance mixed borders and wildlife-friendly gardens. It will grow in a well-watered and fed container to lift a balcony garden or a patio and has a sweet scent that increases in warm sun. It goes well with Rhaphiolepis Indica the Indian Hawthorn Pink Lady.

Yeddo Hawthorne Ovata is a real beauty beneath a window or near doors and seating areas so you can catch its sweet scent.  It’s a must for lovers of wildlife and scented plants.

How To Care For Rhaphiolepis Umbelliata Ovata
Grow Yeddo Hawthorne Ovata in a sheltered, sunny spot out of the prevailing wind or lingering frost pockets. It copes with the majority of well-drained soil but needs warmth to thrive. A south or west-facing wall-side border is best.
You don’t need to prune it, but if you want to restrict its size you can cut back broken or dead branches in spring after the flowers have finished. Be sure to water it well until established and apply a thick layer of organic mulch to the roots each spring to boost its flower production.