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Rhaphiolepis umbellata 'Minor', rhaphiolepis
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Rhaphiolepis umbellata 'Minor'

rhaphiolepis

Rosaceae
Species native to Japan and southern Korea; cultivar of garden origin

Learn more

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 8Zone 9Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantFragrant (light)Container Friendly
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Rhaphiolepis umbellata 'Minor' is dwarf Yedda hawthorn (dwarf Indian hawthorn), a compact mounding evergreen shrub growing 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) tall and 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) wide. White lightly fragrant flowers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) in terminal panicles 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) in April-May (4 weeks). Blue-black berries 0.3 inch (8 mm) persisting through winter. Glossy dark green rounded leathery leaves 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm) with bronze new growth. In Rosaceae. 'Minor' is a dwarf selection — 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) vs. 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) for the species. Susceptible to Entomosporium leaf spot (same disease as Photinia x fraseri) — circular red-brown spots in humid conditions. This Entomosporium susceptibility is the primary disease limitation. Tolerates salt spray, heat, and drought. Hardy to about 15°F (-9°C). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 8-10. Full sun. Growth rate is slow.

Native Range

Species native to Japan and southern Korea. Cultivar of garden origin.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a low evergreen border, foundation planting, and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L), spaced 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m). Compact dwarf. Salt-tolerant. Monitor for Entomosporium. Non-toxic. Zones 8-10.

How to Identify

Identified by a compact mounding evergreen shrub with glossy dark green rounded leathery leaves, white fragrant spring flowers, and blue-black persistent berries. The compact size (2-3 feet / 0.6-0.9 m) distinguishes 'Minor' from the taller species. In Rosaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

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

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Spring
Mid to late spring (April-May). White 5-petaled flowers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) in terminal panicles 2-3 inches (5-7 cm). Lightly fragrant. 4 weeks. Bee- and butterfly-visited. Blue-black berries follow into winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, 5-petaled, 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm), in terminal panicles 2-3 inches (5-7 cm); April-May; lightly fragrant; followed by blue-black berries 0.3 inch (8 mm) persisting through winter

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green, rounded to obovate, 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm), leathery, thick; bronze-tinted new growth; evergreen year-round

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
Drainagewell 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

Full sun (6-10 hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5. Tolerates salt spray, heat, and drought. Susceptible to Entomosporium leaf spot — avoid overhead irrigation, improve air circulation. Hardy to 15°F (-9°C). Prune after flowering (May-June). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 8-10.

Pruning

Prune after flowering (May-June) to shape if needed. The compact mounding habit requires minimal pruning. Remove Entomosporium-infected leaves and stems.

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