Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhaphiolepis umbellata
Yeddo Hawthorn
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 feet
- Width
- 4 to 6 feet
- Flower color
- White to light pink
- Foliage color
- Glossy dark green, with new leaves emerging gray-green
- Bloom time
- Spring (April to May)
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Medium, drought-tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Low; prune after flowering if needed; avoid wetting foliage to prevent leaf spot
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 8 to 10
- Wildlife
- Birds (attracted to the blue-black berries produced after flowering)
About this plant
Rhaphiolepis umbellata is an evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the blossoms are typically white or pale pink, creating a delicate contrast against the dense foliage. Following the blooms, small blue-black berries appear, adding a secondary layer of seasonal interest and providing food for birds.
Native to coastal regions of Japan and Korea, Rhaphiolepis umbellata is well-suited to challenging conditions such as salty air and windy environments. Its origin and natural hardiness have made it a popular choice for hedges, coastal gardens, and urban landscapes, where its tidy growth habit and year-round appeal contribute to its versatility as an ornamental shrub.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Hedging & Privacy · Coastal Gardens · Bird Gardens
Companion plants
Poppies · Milkweed · Bee balm · Feather reed grass · Rock cress · Alpine mint bush
Design tip
Take advantage of Yeddo hawthorn’s naturally dense, rounded shape by repeating it along a walkway or across a planting bed. The repetition creates a sense of rhythm and order without looking overly formal, and its evergreen foliage keeps the pattern visible year-round.
