| General Description | The Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is an evergreen woody shrub. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and is native to southern China and India. This plant retains its green foliage year-round, making it an excellent choice for landscaping where evergreen plants are desired. The Indian Hawthorn typically grows as a dense, compact shrub with leathery leaves and clusters of small, pink or white flowers in spring. It is valued for its ornamental appeal and ability to withstand various environmental conditions. |
| ID Characteristic | Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) can be identified by several distinctive characteristics. It is a dense and compact shrub, typically reaching a height of 3 to 6 feet with a similar spread, making it a prominent presence in gardens and landscapes. The plant boasts glossy, leathery leaves that are usually oval-shaped and measure about 1 to 4 inches in length. These leaves provide a lush green backdrop year-round, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces. In the spring, Indian Hawthorn bursts into bloom, showcasing clusters of small, fragrant flowers. These blooms come in a variety of colours, including shades of pink, white, and sometimes even hints of red, adding vibrancy and charm to the landscape. Following the flowering period, the plant may produce small berry-like fruits, further contributing to its visual interest. With its versatile nature and ornamental qualities, Indian Hawthorn is commonly used for hedges, borders, or foundation plantings, bringing beauty and elegance to gardens and homes alike. |
| Shape | This plant grows as a dense, compact shrub. |
| Landscape | Indian Hawthorn is a popular plant for home gardens and city parks. |
| Propagation | Propagate by seed, cuttings, or divisions. |
| Cultivation | To grow Indian Hawthorn, find a sunny or partly shady spot with good drainage. Plant it in spring or fall, just make sure it sits in the ground at the same level as it did in the pot. Keep the soil moist, especially at the start, and give it a good soak when it's dry out. Throw some plant food on it in the spring and give it a trim after it's done blooming to keep it looking sharp. Put some mulch around the base to keep the soil in good shape but keep it away from the trunk. |
| Pests | No notable pests or diseases. |
| Habitat | Indian Hawthorn can be found hanging out along the coast, in forests, on rocky slopes, and in scrublands in southern China and India. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Smooth, grey-brown coverings that feel a bit rough to the touch. As the plant grows older, some shallow lines or bumps on the bark can be noticed, giving it a bit of texture. When Indian Hawthorn is young, its stems are soft and green. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | The leaf buds can be found along the stems, right in between the leaves. |
| Leaf Description | The leaves of Indian Hawthorn are shiny green and oval shaped. They're not too big, usually about 1 to 4 inches long, with smooth edges and a pointy tip. |
| Flower Description | Each flower is made up of five soft petals, which come in colours like white, pink, or red. They're round or a little oval-shaped, and they feel smooth and waxy to the touch. |
| Fruit Description | The fruits come in various colours, including shades of red, purple, or black, depending on the specific cultivar. While they are primarily ornamental, the fruits can attract birds and wildlife to the garden. |
| Colour Description | The leaves are usually a shiny, dark green, but sometimes they can be lighter green. The soft flowers come in white, pink, or even red shades. |
| Texture Description | Smooth texture. |