Rhaphiolepis indica
Indian hawthorn
Overview
Rhaphiolepis indica is a slow-growing evergreen shrub in the rose family, forming a dense, rounded mound 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) tall and slightly wider, though some forms stay under 3 feet (0.9 m). The leathery leaves are oblong to oval, 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long, dark green and glossy above, with finely toothed margins. New growth emerges bronze to coppery before turning green. Clusters of five-petaled flowers, white to pink and about 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) across, open at the branch tips in spring and carry a light fragrance. The flowers are followed by round berry-like pomes 0.25-0.5 inch (6-12 mm) wide that ripen from green to blue-black and persist into winter. The shrub grows in full sun to partial shade and tolerates coastal conditions, salt spray, and a range of soils, which has made it a common foundation and hedge plant in mild-winter regions. Its main weakness is Entomosporium leaf spot, a fungal disease that causes spotting and defoliation in humid climates and under overhead irrigation. Hardiness is limited to roughly USDA zones 8-11, and the foliage is damaged by hard freezes.
Native Range
Native to southern China and parts of Southeast Asia, including Japan and the surrounding region. It grows on hillsides, in scrub, and at woodland edges in subtropical and warm-temperate climates.Suggested Uses
Used as a low hedge, foundation shrub, mass planting, and informal border in warm-climate landscapes, typically spaced 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) apart. It suits containers and coastal gardens and is grown in parking islands and other exposed sites for its tolerance of heat and salt.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in spring, generally March to May depending on climate, with a lighter rebloom possible in fall in mild regions. Flowering lasts about three to four weeks at the branch tips. Blue-black fruit develops through summer and holds into winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pinkFoliage Description
dark green, bronze when newGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Rhaphiolepis indica grows in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil with a pH from about 5.5 to 7.5 and tolerates sandy, coastal sites. Flowering and dense form are strongest in full sun, while shaded plants grow more openly and bloom less. Once established it is drought tolerant and needs only occasional deep watering in dry spells. Overhead watering and crowded, humid conditions encourage Entomosporium leaf spot, so air movement and drip irrigation lower disease pressure. It tolerates salt spray and is suited to seaside plantings within zones 8 to 11. Hard freezes below about 10F (-12C) damage foliage and stems.Pruning
Light shearing or tip pruning after flowering holds the shrub compact and shapes hedges. Thinning crowded interior branches improves air movement and lowers leaf-spot risk. Heavy renewal pruning is tolerated but reduces the next seasons flowers, which form on the previous years growth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons