Rhaphiolepis Indica 'Cosmic White'
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Cosmic White Indian Hawthorn
Botanical Name: Rhaphiolepis indica 'Cosmic White'
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: East Asia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Overview
A tough, compact Indian hawthorn ideal for Adelaide and South Australian gardens. ‘Cosmic White’ smothers itself in extra-large, pure-white, lightly fragrant blooms in late winter–spring, then follows with blue-black berries for added interest. Heat, coastal and wind tolerant, it forms a neat, glossy, disease-resistant hedge or low-care feature with year-round polish.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 1.2–2 m H × 1.2–2 m W (naturally rounded, easily kept smaller)
- 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: Large clusters of pure white, lightly fragrant blossoms late winter–spring; spot flowering again in autumn
- Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure with a spring flower show and autumn–winter berries; stays lush and glossy year-round
- 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: 0.6–0.8 m centres for a tight screen; Specimen: 1.2–1.5 m apart
- Pet Friendly: 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 along driveways and front boundaries—crisp white flowers against glossy foliage for street appeal
- Coastal courtyard or poolside backdrop—handles salt and wind while staying neat
- Evergreen foundation shrub in mixed borders; underplant with Lomandra or silver foliage for contrast
Why You Will Love It
‘Cosmic White’ gives Adelaide gardens masses of white flowers, glossy foliage and almost no fuss. It’s compact, disease-resistant and truly tough—perfect for neat hedges or evergreen structure that performs in SA heat, wind and coastal conditions.