Indian Hawthorn-Rhaphiolepis indica (3Gal)

Overview

Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is a compact, evergreen shrub native to southern China and Southeast Asia. It is prized for its low maintenance and year-round appeal in landscapes. The plant typically grows 3 feet tall and features leathery, dark green leaves and clusters of pink or white fragrant flowers in spring, followed by small blue-black berries that attract birds.

Typical Uses:

• Its compact size and evergreen foliage make it ideal for low-maintenance borders near homes and structures.
• Easily shaped with pruning, providing a clean, formal look or a more natural barrier.
• Showy spring flowers and tidy shape make it a popular choice as a standalone accent in garden beds or courtyards.
• Its hardiness and aesthetic appeal make Indian hawthorn a reliable and attractive choice for many landscape applications.

Establishment and Care Instructions:

• Location: Prefers a well-drained area receiving at least six hours of sunlight.
• Water Requirements: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Handles drought well but appreciates occasional deep watering during prolonged drought spells.
• Pruning: The Best time to prune is late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead and diseased wood at any time. Freely thin out the branches to avoid crowding and prevent diseases from spreading quickly.
• Fertilization: Early spring by applying a balanced slow release fertilizer (10-10-10).
• Mulching: Apply a 3-4in layer of mulch to suprress weeds, insulate from extreme temperatures, keep soil consistently moist and to be used as a buffer from mowers and trimmers.