Rhaphiolepis Indica 'Oriental Pink'

Indian Hawthorn / Oriental Pink Indian Hawthorn / Oriental Pink

Botanical Name: Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pink'
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: East Asia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A compact, evergreen Indian hawthorn that thrives in Adelaide and across South Australia. ‘Oriental Pink’ forms a neat, mounding shrub smothered in soft shell-pink, lightly fragrant flowers from late winter into spring, followed by blue-black berries. Tough, coastal-tolerant and low-maintenance, it’s ideal for small hedges, borders and pots.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1–1.5 m H × 1–1.5 m W (naturally compact, mounding)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Glossy deep-green leaves; new growth can flush bronze in cool weather; dense, tidy habit
• Flowers: Clusters of soft pink, lightly fragrant blooms late winter–spring; occasional spot flowering in autumn
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure with a standout spring flower show and decorative berries into winter
• Wildlife Value: Attracts bees and butterflies; berries provide seasonal food for birds
• Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant, Coastal-Tolerant, Heat-Tolerant and Wind-Tolerant; Frost Hardy; tolerates light clay if drainage is good
• Planting Density: Hedge: 0.5–0.7 m centres for a tight screen; Specimen: 1.0–1.2 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; shape in late winter if needed; 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 for driveways, paths or front boundaries—soft pink spring masses for instant street appeal
• Coastal courtyard / poolside planting—handles salt and wind while staying neat and glossy
• Containers by entrances and outdoor living spaces; underplant with Lomandra or silver foliage for contrast

Why You Will Love It

‘Oriental Pink’ delivers months of blush blooms, glossy year-round foliage and almost no fuss—perfect for busy Adelaide gardens. Its compact size, toughness and gentle fragrance make it a standout choice for low-maintenance hedges, borders and pots.