Raphelopis-Indian Hawthorne 3 Gallon

The Indian Hawthorne is a slow-growing evergreen shrub from the Rosaceae (rose) family. It blooms with attractive colorful white and/or pink flowers in the spring. These are fragrant and showy. It is a useful landscaping plant and is often grown as a ball-shaped hedge. Plants are also often used by Bonsai enthusiasts.

The US Department of Agriculture advises cultivation in plant hardiness zones 8 to 10. The plant rarely thrives in temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (– 18°C).

Rhaphiolepis indica is excellent for seaside landscapes, around the house foundation, or planted close together to form an informal dense hedge.

It is a neat shrub that does not require a lot of maintenance. As a year-round plant, it can tolerate pollution, salty environments, drought, heat, and high humidity. This radiant plant also brings much-needed garden color during winter.

As the plant is naturally round, no consistent pruning is required, though it is necessary for desired shapes if carrying out topiary. If needed, pruning may be done after flowering so as to not interfere with the next bloom. Occasionally, deadheading may help to make the shrub more appealing.

The plant is relatively pest-resistant, but proper care is vital to ensure no pests and diseases such as leafspot.

Plant Details

Life Cycle / Plant Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree. Broadleaf.

Plant Height: 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m). Tree form can reach about 12 feet (4 m) in height.

Plant Spread: 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m).

Blooms:  Mid and Late spring.

Flower Details: Perfect flowers. Five petals. White, pink. About 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) in diameters, Loose clusters. Fragrant.

Leaf Foliage: leathery. Toothed margins. Dark green. About 3 to 8 cm (1 to 3 inches) in length.

Fruit: Dark round fruit. Berry-like. Starts green, but turns a purple or blueish black upon maturation.

Growing Conditions and Location

Best Light Conditions: Full sunlight for best results, or areas with afternoon shade (may become scraggly).

Suitable Soil Types: Tolerant of salty soils. Can grow in most soils but moderately fertile ones should give good results.

Soil Moisture: Moist with good drainage, can tolerate dry soils once established.

Care: Low maintenance plant. Regular watering for juvenile plants. Fertilize in spring. Light pruning to maintain appearance.

Susceptible to Leaf spot (cut off any infected parts to prevent spread, or use a bactericide).

Fireblight is also fairly common, so don't grow if you are planning to grow fruit tress such as apple or pear nearby.

Wash off aphids with soapy water.

Growing in pots and containers: Not ideal but possible. Use a large round pot filled with a potting mix. Use a bark or straw mulch.

Keep soil moist and use a regular fertilizer. Prune plants in autumn to help maintain shape and to enhance flowering the following spring.