Indian Hawthorn
Rhaphiolepis delacourii · Rosaceae
📷 Forest and Kim Starr · CC BY 2.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around indian hawthorn and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, glossy dark green
- Flowering
- Spring (May-June), white or pale pink flowers
- Adult size
- Approximately 1.5 m in height
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Temperate to warm climate, intolerant of intense frost
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Origin
- Southeast Asia, China
- Soil type
- Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Rhaphiolepis delacourii, more compact than umbellata, thrives in well-draining soil with mulch. Light pruning after flowering (May-June) keeps a neat, compact shape without compromising the next flush of blooms.
The common mistake
Overfeeding or letting water pool around it: like its cousin, it rots at the roots or grows weak and lanky, with few flowers.
The pro's trick
In very mild climates, Rhaphiolepis delacourii may produce a light second flush of flowers in autumn.
Care
Light and exposure
Place your Rhaphiolepis in full sun for generous flowering and optimal development. In very hot regions, light afternoon shade is acceptable. Avoid dense shade, which would compromise flower formation.
Watering
Water regularly during growth and flowering, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter once established. The plant tolerates slight summer dryness but prefers moderate and consistent moisture.
Soil preparation
Prepare rich, well-draining soil that's slightly acidic. Enrich the potting mix with compost or peat to promote moisture retention. Overly compacted or chalky soil can slow growth.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune after flowering (June-July) to maintain a compact, balanced shape. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches. Avoid severe pruning, which would reduce the following year's flowering.
Fertilization
Apply balanced fertilizer or flowering-specific formula in spring and early summer. Moderate monthly feeding is sufficient. Stop feeding in autumn to allow the plant to prepare for winter dormancy.
Diseases and pests
Watch for mealybugs or spider mites, especially in dry conditions. Good drainage prevents root rot. Stagnant moisture can encourage fungal diseases; ensure good air circulation around the foliage.
Did you know?
Rhaphiolepis delacourii is a horticultural hybrid created by crossing two Asian species, cultivated for a long time in China and Japan as a prized ornamental shrub. Its name 'delacourii' honors a French botanist, reflecting the historical interest the Western world has shown in these exotic plants. In Asia, its small fragrant flowers are appreciated for their delicacy and abundance, making this bush a true jewel of modern Mediterranean gardens.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Apple treeMalus domestica
- Cherry treePrunus avium
- BlackthornPrunus spinosa
- Salad burnetPoterium sanguisorba
- Bird cherryPrunus padus
- BrambleRubus fruticosus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.