Rhaphiolepis umbellata 'Minor', rhaphiolepis
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Rhaphiolepis umbellata 'Minor'

rhaphiolepis

Rosaceae

Japan and southern Korea (species); cultivar of garden origin

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m)
Width3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

8 - 10
Zone 8
Zone 9
Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (light)
Container Friendly
Maintenancevery low

Overview

A compact, dense, mounding broadleaf evergreen shrub reaching 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) tall and 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) wide. Growth rate is slow, adding 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) per year. This dwarf cultivar of Rhaphiolepis umbellata is selected for its compact habit, making it suitable for low hedging and small-space plantings. Leaves are alternate, obovate to rounded, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long and 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) wide, thick, leathery, glossy dark green, with finely crenate (scalloped) margins near the tips. New growth may emerge with a bronze to reddish tinge. Flowers appear in April to May in terminal panicles 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) across, white, each approximately 0.5-0.75 inches (13-19 mm) across, with a light, sweet fragrance. Individual flowers have 5 rounded petals and prominent stamens. Fruit is a small, globose, blue-black pome approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) in diameter, ripening in fall and persisting into winter. Tolerates salt spray, drought, and urban pollution. Susceptible to Entomosporium leaf spot (the same disease affecting Photinia × fraseri), which causes dark spots on foliage, particularly in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Hardy to approximately 10-15°F (-12 to -9°C); marginally hardy in colder parts of the Pacific Northwest.

Native Range

The species Rhaphiolepis umbellata is native to Japan and southern Korea. Found in coastal scrubland, open forests, and rocky shores. This cultivar is of garden origin.

Suggested Uses

Commonly used as a low hedge at 2-3 foot (60-90 cm) spacing, foundation planting, or edging along walkways. The compact size and dense habit make it suitable for small residential gardens and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Tolerates coastal salt spray, making it suitable for seaside gardens. The thick, leathery foliage provides year-round evergreen structure. Fragrant spring flowers and blue-black fall berries add seasonal interest.

How to Identify

Identified by thick, leathery, glossy dark green, rounded to obovate leaves 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long with scalloped margins near the tips, arranged alternately on compact, densely branched stems. White, fragrant, 5-petaled flowers in terminal panicles in spring. Small blue-black fruit in fall. The 'Minor' cultivar is distinguished by its compact size (2-3 feet) compared to the species type (4-6 feet). Distinguished from Rhaphiolepis indica (Indian hawthorn) by the thicker, more rounded leaves and the more compact habit.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread3' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Spring
Flowers from April to May in USDA zones 8-10. Terminal panicles 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) across bear white, 5-petaled flowers approximately 0.5-0.75 inches (13-19 mm) across with a light sweet fragrance. Bloom lasts 3-4 weeks. Small blue-black pomes ripen in fall and persist into winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green; bronze-tinted new growth

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun for the densest habit and heaviest flowering. Adapts to a range of well-drained soil types and pH from 5.5 to 7.5. Tolerates salt spray and coastal exposure. Water regularly during the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate moderate drought. Entomosporium leaf spot is the most significant disease, causing dark spots and potential defoliation in humid conditions; site in full sun with good air circulation to minimize. In zones 8a-8b, plant in a sheltered position protected from cold winter winds. No other serious pest or disease problems.

Pruning

Prune after flowering in late spring to maintain shape. The naturally compact, dense habit requires minimal pruning. Use hand pruners for selective shaping. Light shearing is tolerated for formal low hedging. Hard rejuvenation pruning is tolerated but rarely needed due to the slow growth rate. Remove any frost-damaged growth in spring.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic