Rhaphiolepis 'Oriental Pearl' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its abundance of soft pink flower buds that open to beautiful white blooms during late winter and spring. Combined with its glossy deep green foliage and naturally rounded habit, it provides year-round colour and structure with very little maintenance. Exceptionally hardy and well suited to Australian conditions, 'Oriental Pearl' thrives in coastal gardens, streetscapes, courtyards and modern landscapes. Its compact growth makes it ideal for low hedging, borders, feature planting and containers.

Flowers

Clusters of soft pink buds open to fragrant white flowers from late winter through spring, often followed by sporadic flowering during the warmer months. The flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators.

Foliage

Dense, glossy dark green evergreen foliage provides an attractive backdrop to the masses of flowers and maintains year-round interest.

Fruit

Small blue-black berries develop after flowering, providing additional ornamental appeal and attracting native birds.

Form & Size

A compact, naturally rounded evergreen shrub with dense branching.

Mature Size: Approximately 1–1.5m high × 1–1.5m wide

Growing Conditions

Sun: Full sun to part shade.

Soil: Grows well in most well-drained soils including sandy, loamy and clay soils.

Water: Water regularly during establishment. Once established it is drought tolerant and only requires occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.

Frost: Tolerates light to moderate frosts.

Wind: Excellent tolerance of coastal winds and salt spray.

Climate: Well suited to subtropical, temperate and coastal climates throughout Australia.

Uses

• Low hedging
• Borders
• Mass planting
• Feature planting
• Courtyard gardens
• Pots and containers
• Coastal gardens
• Commercial landscaping
• Low-maintenance gardens

Maintenance

Very low maintenance. Light pruning after flowering will encourage dense new growth and maintain a compact shape. Feed annually with a quality slow-release fertiliser during spring.

Notes

Rhaphiolepis 'Oriental Pearl' is prized for its attractive pink flower buds that contrast beautifully against the glossy green foliage before opening into masses of white flowers. Its toughness, drought tolerance and ability to thrive in coastal environments make it an excellent choice for low-maintenance Australian gardens.

Companion Plants

• Lomandra 'Little Pal'
• Liriope 'Emerald Cascade'
• Dianella
• Agapanthus
• Gardenia
• Nandina
• Westringia
• Murraya
• Star Jasmine

Common Name: Oriental Pearl Indian Hawthorn

Botanical Name: Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'

Family: Rosaceae

Origin: Cultivated selection of Rhaphiolepis indica, a species native to eastern and southeastern Asia.