Indian Hawthorn
Rhaphiolepis indica · Rosaceae
📷 Dave Whitinger · CC BY-SA 3.0
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, dark green and leathery
- Flowering
- April to May, white-pink flowers in panicles
- Mature size
- 200 cm tall, rounded and compact habit
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Zones 9-11 (tolerance down to -5°C)
- Origin
- Southeast Asia (China, Japan)
- Soil type
- Well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Light pruning after May flowering: it thickens naturally and re-blooms in tiny panicles through summer and autumn if maintained properly.
The common mistake
Heavy pruning in summer burns the autumn re-blooming; be gentle after peak flowering.
The pro's trick
Pinch young stems regularly in spring to multiply flowering shoots.
Care
Exposure
Plant your Indian hawthorn in full sun for generous flowering and dense foliage. It tolerates partial shade but produces fewer flowers. Protect it from strong winds that can damage the evergreen foliage.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer) to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Once established, the plant tolerates moderate dry periods.
Soil and planting
Choose well-draining, fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Improve your planting soil with compost or potting mix. Ensure effective drainage to prevent root suffocation.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact and airy shape. Remove dead or diseased wood. The plant handles pruning well and recovers quickly.
Fertilization
Apply balanced or flowering shrub-specific fertilizer in spring and early summer. Avoid excess nitrogen which would reduce flowering. Moderate feeding is sufficient for an established plant.
Pests and diseases
Generally hardy, Indian hawthorn can be affected by fire blight (Erwinia) in very humid conditions. Good air circulation limits risks. Watch for scale insects and spider mites in hot, dry climates.
Did you know?
Indian hawthorn has been used in Asia for centuries as an ornamental and fruit-bearing shrub: it produces small blue-black edible berries after flowering. Its botanical name "Rhaphiolepis" literally means "pointed scales," referring to its characteristic small bracts.
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.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.