Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'

Size

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Current Available Batches:

40cm/45L: Approx. 0.4m - .06m
30cm/33cm: Approx. 0.2m – 0.3m tall

Please note: These height guides are approximate, as we work with live plants and natural variation is expected. The measurements provided reflect typical stock sizing but may vary between batches.

Regular price
$400.00
Sale price
$400.00
Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
A GRADE STOCK, EVERY TIME.

Learn About Your New Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl' - Oriental Pearl Indian Hawthorn

Raphiolepis indica ‘Oriental Pearl’ looks excellent as a compact, dense evergreen shrub, offering year-round structure with its glossy dark green foliage. Its neat, rounded form makes it ideal for low clipped hedges, narrow borders, and container planting, especially where space is limited and formal shape is desired.

In mid to late spring, the shrub produces abundant small white flower clusters that contrast beautifully with the dark foliage, adding seasonal interest that outperforms many slower-flowering alternatives. ‘Oriental Pearl’ is highly drought-tolerant once established and resilient to coastal winds, salt spray, and light frost, making it a reliable choice for various Australian climates.

For enhanced landscape impact, it looks excellent when underplanted with low-growing groundcovers or shade-tolerant perennials to create layered, textured garden beds. Its naturally uniform growth reduces the need for frequent pruning, making it a low-maintenance, eye-catching option for formal gardens, hedging, and compact design schemes.

Plant Profile
Planting Tips
Post Planting Care
Tips for Various Soil Types
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Botanical & Physical Characteristics

BOTANICAL NAME:
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'
GENUS:
Rhaphiolepis
BOTANICAL SPECIES:
indica
COMMON NAME:
Oriental Pearl Indian Hawthorn
FAMILY:
Rosaceae
EVERGREEN / DECIDUOUS:
Evergreen (foliage year round)
FOLIAGE TYPE
  • Glossy
FORM & SHAPE
  • Compact
  • Rounded

2. Growth & Environmental Conditions

GROWTH RATE
  • Medium Growth Rate
EXPECTED GROWTH PER YEAR

Approx. 15 – 30 cm per year (moderate)

MATURE HEIGHT

1.5m - 2.5m Approximately

MATURE WIDTH

1 – 1.5 m

SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE
  • Full Sun
FROST TOLERANCE

Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE?
No

3. Practical Uses & Flowering

USES:
  • Screening or Privacy
  • Shrubs
  • Underplanting
  • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
FLOWER COLOUR
White
FLOWER TYPE
  • Clustered
FLOWERING PERIOD
  • Spring

Planting Tips

Plant Spacing

Hedging & Screening: 80cm – 1m spacing

Feature tree: Not typically used as a feature tree

Avenue Planting: Not typically used as avenue planting

Ensuring A Strong Start

How to Plant:

  • Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade exposure.
  • Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
  • Place the shrub in the hole, ensuring it is at the correct depth.
  • Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture.

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) for Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

  • 30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
  • 40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
  • 50cm Pot: 49.5cm (W) × 35.2cm (D)
  • 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
  • 100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
  • 100L Pot: 66cm (W) × 49.5cm (D)
  • 150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
  • 200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
  • 300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
  • 400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
  • 500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
  • 750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
  • 1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
  • 2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Post Planting Care

When planting a new tree or shrub, proper watering is essential to ensure healthy establishment and long-term growth. Follow these guidelines to give your plant the best start:

  1. Immediately After Planting:
    Water generously right after planting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. This helps the roots make good contact with the soil.
  2. First Three Months (Establishment Phase):
    The initial three months are critical for root development. Water deeply twice daily (morning and evening) to encourage strong, deep root growth.
  3. Irrigation Systems:
    If using an irrigation system, adjust it to provide adequate water during the establishment phase. Ensure the water reaches the root zone without overwatering.
  4. Weather Considerations:
    Adjust watering based on weather conditions. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods and reduce it during cooler, wetter seasons.
  5. Ongoing Care:
    After the establishment phase (3 months), gradually reduce watering frequency but ensure the plant receives consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

Long Term & Ongoing Care

Caring for Raphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl':

  • Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to establish a deep and extensive root system.
  • Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
  • Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Growing Your Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl' in Various Soil Types

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl' prefers well-drained soil but adapts to various conditions:

Sandy Soil: Requires added organic matter to retain moisture and improve fertility.

Clay Soil: Can become compacted—amend with compost and sand for better aeration and drainage.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for healthy root development and consistent growth.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Adapts well to a range of soil pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the advantage of Raphiolepis over faster-growing hedges like Syzygium?
A: While slower growing, Raphiolepis offers a formal, compact shape with far less maintenance and no need for frequent pruning.

Q: Is ‘Oriental Pearl’ frost or coastal tolerant?
A: Yes, it handles light frost and coastal conditions well, making it versatile for many environments.

Q: How often should I prune it?
A: Once annually is usually sufficient to maintain shape and density.

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