Rhaphiolepis indicaIndian Hawthorn

The Rhaphiolepis indica, commonly known as Indian Hawthorn, is a compact evergreen shrub with thick leathery serrated leaves, bronze new growth and clusters of white to pale pink flowers in spring, followed by small blue-black berries. It is tough in exposed positions and asks very little once established.

It has become a standard for low hedging, car park and median planting, and coastal gardens, largely because it holds a neat shape without constant attention.

Specifications

• Height1 to 2 metres
• Width1 to 1.5 metres
• Native toSouthern China, Japan and Southeast Asia
• FoliageThick, leathery, dark green serrated leaves with bronze new growth; evergreen
• Growth rateSlow to moderate

Conditions

• SoilPrefers well-drained soils and tolerates poor, sandy and coastal ground
• LightFull sun to partial shade
• WaterLow to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in subtropical and warm temperate regions, tolerates coastal exposure and light frost

Additional Features

• FlowersClusters of fragrant white to pale pink flowers in spring
• UsesIdeal for low hedging and screening, mass shrub planting, car park and median beds and coastal gardens
• SpacingPlant 0.8 to 1 metre apart for a continuous low hedge
• Low MaintenanceLight trim after flowering is all that is needed; the habit is naturally compact
• Pest ResistanceGenerally robust; monitor for leaf spot in humid, still conditions
• Drought ToleranceHolds condition through dry periods once established
• Salt ToleranceTolerates salt-laden wind and sandy coastal soils

Indian Hawthorn is a low-maintenance mainstay for hard urban and coastal planting, and it looks presentable with almost no intervention.