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Key characteristics

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)

Shrubs

Rhaphiolepis umbellata

Yeddo Hawthorn

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Medium, drought-tolerant once established

Bloom time

Spring (April to May)

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)