About
Rhaphiolepis indica, the Indian hawthorn, is a dense, mound-forming evergreen shrub to 1.5 m with leathery, glossy, dark-green leaves and clusters of small, white or pink, five-petalled flowers in spring. A rewarding and ornamental shrub for a sunny, well-drained, sheltered garden.
About the genus
Rhaphiolepis are compact, evergreen shrubs with leathery, glossy leaves and clusters of small, white or pink flowers in spring. Grown in sunny, well-drained, sheltered gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens
Native toS China
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationOutdoors, grow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun, with the shelter of a warm wall. Protect from cold, drying winds. Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. In the growing season, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
PruningSee pruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free