Disease and Insect Resistant Ornamental Plants: Rhaphiolepis (Indian Hawthorn)

Abstract

Rhaphiolepis is a genus of about 15 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the family Rosaceae. Ornamental species, commonly known as Indian hawthorn, include R. indica, R. umbellata, and the hybrid R. x delacourii. Cultivars are mostly compact shrubs with pink or white flowers and dark green foliage. Native to Japan and southern China, Indian hawthorn is an landscape mainstay in the southeastern US. Potential diseases include fire blight and anthracnose, but leaf spot is the most prevalent.