Common Name:
Georgia Petite Hawthorn
Family Name:
Rosaceae
Botanical Name:
Rhapiolepis x delacourii
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
'Georgia Petite'
Characteristics:
A greatly improved selection prized for its strong disease resistance compared to its parents R. indica and R. umbellate (1, 2). An evergreen shrub with rounded form and dense, compact growth habit growing to 1 m (3 ft) tall and 1-1.5 m (3-4 ft) wide (1, 2). Leaves are dark green, glossy, leathery and oval in shape with serrated edges (1, 2). In Spring, pink flower buds produce white, slightly fragrant flowers which are borne in clusters at the branch tips giving the appearance of “popped corn” covering the shrub (1, 2). Fruits are fleshy berries with dark blue color and ornamental value (1,2).
Compound:
Geographic Origin:
Ecozone Origin:
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
This cultivar is derived from Raphiolepis indica, a native of southern China and Indonesia growing on hillsides from sea level to 1,300 m (4000 ft) elevation (2). The genus was named by Royal Horticultural Society Director John Lindley(2). The frequently used common name “hawthorn” is a misnomer and residual reference to the original classification of this species in the genus Crataegus. The 'Georgia Petite' cultivar in particular was developed by Dr. Will Corley at the University of Georgia as part of his research efforts to breed fungus resistant varieties (2). The cultivar is tolerant to the Entomosporium leaf spot fungus which generally plagues Indian hawthorn in the southern United States (2). The cultivar was derived from R. delacourii, which is itself a hybrid of the R. indica and R. umbellata species bred decades ago by M. Delacour at Cannes, France (2).
Cultivation Notes:
The cultivar is suited for planting in USDA Zone: Zones 7 – 10 and Sunset Zone: Zones 8 - 10, 12 - 24; H1, H2. In the southeast US, it is tolerant to full-, filtered- and partial-sun as well as partial- or full shade (1, 2, 3). Water use of mature plants is low to moderate (1). Ensure soil is well-drained (2). Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, reduce frequency of irrigation as the plant tolerates moderate drought as well as salinity (2, 3). It is recommended that the plant be watered when the top 8 cm (3 in) of the soil is dry (1,2, 3). Fertilize before new growth begins in spring. For a formal appearance, prune annually after flowering (2).
Ethnobotany:
This cultivar was developed as a landscape ornamental for the southeast United States as a disease resistant selection (2). It is useful in small and large-scale landscapes as a part of low hedge and is especially striking in mass plantings (2).
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Green
Function:
Patio
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
Citations:
- Devil Mountain Nursery https://devilmountainnursery.com/rhaphiolepis-delacourii-georgia-petite/ Retrieved Oct. 27, 2025.
- Monrovia Nursery https://www.monrovia.com/georgia-petite-indian-hawthorn.html?srsltid=AfmBOor9__wLjxDmbJtM5DWuFIIUAgxbC3Wkwn2wQQtfbQzC8rkxR1cX Retrieved Oct. 27, 2025.
- North Carolina State University https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rhaphiolepis-x-delacourii/ Retrieved Oct. 27, 2025.
