Description: Rhaphiolepis 'Hot Tips', commonly known as Hot Tips Indian Hawthorn, is an evergreen shrub admired for its vibrant new growth and attractive foliage. This cultivar is particularly valued for its compact form, making it ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers.

Flowers:

• Blooms: The shrub produces clusters of small, white to pale pink flowers in late winter to early spring. These blossoms add a delicate touch of color to the garden and are attractive to pollinators.
• Fragrance: The flowers have a light, pleasant fragrance.

Foliage:

• Leaves: The leaves are glossy, dark green with new growth emerging as striking red to bronze, providing a colorful contrast. The foliage remains attractive throughout the year.
• Seasonal Color: The new growth adds vibrant red to bronze hues in spring, maturing to a deep green in summer.

Fruit:

• Fruit: Small, blue-black berries may develop after the flowering period, adding further ornamental interest. These berries are generally not significant but can provide visual appeal and food for birds.

Form and Size:

• Size: Typically grows 1-1.5 meters tall and wide, forming a dense, rounded shape.
• Habit: Compact and bushy with a well-branched structure, making it suitable for various landscape uses.

Growing Conditions:

• Climate: Thrives in temperate to subtropical climates and is suitable for various regions in Australia. It can tolerate light frosts and coastal conditions.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soils but can adapt to a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Sunlight: Best grown in full sun to partial shade to ensure robust growth and vibrant foliage color.
• Watering: Regular watering during the establishment phase is crucial. Once established, it benefits from consistent moisture but can tolerate some drought.

Uses:

• Ornamental Shrub: Highly valued as an ornamental shrub for its attractive foliage and compact form.
• Hedges and Borders: Ideal for creating low hedges, borders, and foundation plantings due to its dense growth habit.
• Containers: Suitable for growing in containers, making it a versatile choice for patios and small gardens.
• Accent Plant: Can be used as an accent plant in larger landscapes or mixed borders.

Maintenance:

• Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased wood. Light pruning encourages bushier growth and enhances the plant’s appearance.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage color.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to many pests and diseases. Monitor for aphids, scale insects, and fungal diseases, especially in humid conditions.

Notes:

• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 8-10. In cooler regions of Australia, provide protection from severe frost to prevent damage to new growth.
• Companion Plants: Pair with other evergreen shrubs and perennials, such as loropetalums and heucheras, to create a vibrant and colorful garden display.

Propagation: Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or by seed

Rhaphiolepis 'Hot Tips'

Common Name: Hot Tips Indian Hawthorn

Botanical Name: Rhaphiolepis 'Hot Tips'

Family: Rosaceae

Origin: Cultivated variety of Rhaphiolepis

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