Japanese Hawthorn
Rhaphiolepis umbellata

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Rhaphiolepis umbellata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 2.5

Where it is found

Thickets near the seashore, C. and S. Japan.

E. Asia - Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed - used as a flour. A famine food, they are only used when all else fails.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Plants can be used for informal hedging in areas that are frost free or almost so. A brown dye is obtained from the bark.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained moisture retentive fertile loam or peaty soil in a warm sheltered sunny position. Prefers a position in light shade. An easily grown plant but it is intolerant of dry cold. Judging by its habitat, it should be fairly tolerant of maritime exposure. Plants are tolerant of sea spray. Tolerating temperatures down to about -15°c, it is normally hardy at Kew. A polymorphic species, there are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value. The plant bears honey-scented hawthorn-like blossoms. Plants do not require pruning. They are of slow to moderate growth rate. Plants resent root disturbance and so are best grown in pots and then planted out into their permanent positions as soon as possible.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a shady position in a warm greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown in February/March in a warm greenhouse. Germination is variable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5cm with a heel, September/October in a frame. Fair percentage. Layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

R. japonica. R. ovata. Laurus umbellata.