Rhaphiolepis indica
Indian hawthorn
A bushy, evergreen, spreading shrub to 1.5m tall, with deeply toothed, lance-shaped, leathery, glossy dark green leaves. In spring or early summer it produces lightly scented, white flowers, held in short upright spikes. In mild areas grow at the base of a warm sunny wall, elsewhere it is best in a cool greenhouse
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Rhaphiolepis are evergreen shrubs or small trees, with leathery, dark green leaves and terminal panicles of white or pink-tinged flowers in early summer, followed by black fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S China
How to grow
Cultivation
Outdoors, 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
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Wall side borders
Pruning
See pruning group 8
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.