Rhaphiolepis Indica Fergusonii 'Little Bliss'

Little Bliss Indian Hawthorn

Botanical Name: Rhaphiolepis indica fergusonii 'Little Bliss'
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: East Asia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A compact, dwarf Indian hawthorn ideal for Adelaide and South Australian gardens. ‘Little Bliss’ forms a dense, mounding shrub covered in soft pink, lightly fragrant blooms from late winter into spring, with glossy foliage that stays neat year-round. Tough, coastal-capable and low-maintenance, it’s perfect for low hedges, borders and containers.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6–1.0 m H × 0.8–1.2 m W (naturally compact, mounding)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Glossy deep-green leaves with fresh bronze/copper tints on new growth; tight, tidy habit
• Flowers: Masses of soft pink, lightly fragrant clusters late winter–spring; occasional spot flowering in autumn
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure with a standout late-winter/spring flower show; occasional blue-black berries may follow blooms, adding interest into winter
• Wildlife Value: Attracts bees and butterflies; berries can provide seasonal food for birds
• Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant, Coastal-Tolerant, Heat-Tolerant and Wind-Tolerant; Frost Hardy; Clay-Tolerant with good drainage
• Planting Density: Hedge: 0.4–0.6 m centres for a tight low hedge; Specimen: 0.8–1.0 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (best flowering) to part shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or improved clay (avoid waterlogging)
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Light trim after main spring flush to keep compact; occasional tip-prune to thicken; mulch in spring; feed with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring
• Lifespan: 20-30 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral; tolerates mildly alkaline if drainage is good

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Low flowering hedge along paths, driveways or front boundaries—crisp form and masses of pink blossom for street appeal
• Coastal courtyard or poolside planting—handles salt and wind while staying glossy and compact
• Containers at entries or on patios; underplant with Lomandra or Ophiopogon for texture contrast

Why You Will Love It

‘Little Bliss’ delivers a big flower show on a small, easy-care plant—perfect for modern Adelaide blocks. With year-round glossy foliage, soft pink spring blossom and great toughness, it’s a set-and-forget hedge or border that keeps gardens looking polished with minimal effort.