How to Grow and Care for Indian Hawthorn

Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is an evergreen shrub native to southern China and the Indian subcontinent. It is known for its attractive, glossy leaves and beautiful clusters of pink or white flowers that bloom in spring. This versatile plant is often used as a specimen, hedge, or foundation planting in landscapes. It is also well-suited to growing in containers. Just look at some overview information about this plant, according to NC State University [1]

Botanical Name	Rhaphiolepis indica
Common Names	Indian hawthorn
Plant Type	Shrub
Soil Type	Moist Well-drained
Sun Exposure	Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Bloom Time	Spring
Flower Color	Pink White
Fruit Color	Black Blue Purple/Lavender
Mature Size	3–6 ft. tall and wide

Indian Hawthorn has various types, and here are some common ones:

• Blueberry Muffin: It has blue fruit and purple leaves in the winter.
• Little Pinkie: Like its name, this type of Indian Hawthorn has a pink flower, blooming in spring and fall.
• Snow White: Its flowers are white and leaves are light green. When mature, it can reach 3 to 4 feet tall.
• Indian Princess: Fully mature at 4 feet tall and wide, it has pink and bears white flowers.
• Eleanor Tabor: Flowers bloom in pink color. It is 3 to 5 feet tall.

Indian Hawthorn thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10, making it suitable for regions with mild to warm climates. These plants can tolerate some cold, but they may suffer damage if temperatures consistently fall below 10°F (-12°C). The best time to plant Indian Hawthorn is in early spring or early fall, when the temperatures are moderate and the soil is workable. This timing allows the plant to establish its root system before the more extreme temperatures of summer or winter arrive. In terms of location, Indian Hawthorn prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as they are well-draining. If planting multiple shrubs, space them 4 to 6 feet apart to ensure proper air circulation and room for growth.

Starting Indian Hawthorn from seed can be a bit challenging, as the seeds have a low germination rate and may take several months to sprout. However, with patience and proper care, you can successfully grow this beautiful shrub from seed. Here are the steps to follow:

Stratification

Indian Hawthorn seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. To stratify the seeds, place them in a plastic bag with slightly damp peat moss or vermiculite [2]. Seal the bag and store it in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 months. Check occasionally to ensure the medium remains damp but not wet.

Sowing

After stratification, prepare small pots or seed trays filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil, pressing them lightly into the mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite.

Germination

Keep the pots or seed trays in a warm, well-lit area, maintaining a consistent temperature of around 70°F (21°C). Use a humidity dome or plastic wrap to maintain high humidity levels. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.

Seedling care

Once the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, you can transplant them into individual pots. Continue to maintain consistent moisture and provide bright, indirect light.

Hardening off

Before transplanting the young plants outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by exposing them to increasing amounts of sunlight and outdoor temperatures over a week or two.

Transplanting

Once your Indian Hawthorn seedlings are hardened off, transplant them into their permanent location in the garden, following the guidelines for selecting a suitable site.

Another method for starting Indian Hawthorn is by taking semi-hardwood cuttings from an existing plant. This can be done in late summer or early fall. Here's how:

Taking cuttings

Select a healthy, mature Indian Hawthorn plant and cut 4 to 6-inch long stems with a sharp, sterilized pruning tool. Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting.

Rooting hormone

Dip the cut end of the stem in the rooting hormone, which will help stimulate root development.

Planting

Insert the hormone-treated end of the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining, moistened rooting medium, such as a mix of perlite and peat moss or sand and vermiculite.

Rooting environment

Cover the pot with a plastic bag or humidity dome to create a humid environment, and place it in a warm, bright location, out of direct sunlight. Keep the rooting medium consistently moist.

Transplanting

Once the cuttings have developed a strong root system, typically after 6 to 8 weeks, you can transplant them into individual pots or directly into their permanent location in the garden.

Light

This plant flourishes in bright sunshine, which suggests it receives at least six hours of direct light most days. It can withstand moderate shade, but full sunshine will make it stronger and let it bloom more effectively.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant prospers in warm regions with moderate winters. Although it has been known to withstand lows of 5 degrees Fahrenheit, sustained cold can harm the plant's leaves and possibly cause it to die. The bush can withstand temperatures far into the nineties on the hotter side. It prefers a humidity level that is mild.

Soil

As long as there is enough drainage, Indian hawthorn can survive a variety of soil types. Bush root rot can be brought on by wet soil. Moreover, it prefers a slightly acidic to slightly basic soil pH.

Water

Indian hawthorns prefer a medium level of soil moisture. Baby bushes demand consistently moist (but not soggy) soil, although more mature bushes may tolerate some drought. Give the shrub a good bath when the ground begins to dry up as a result of a lack of rain, but refrain from overhead watering since this might spread fungus.

Fertilizer

Indian hawthorn bushes don't make fertilizer. They will nonetheless gain by being fed an all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Around the bush, adding compost to the soil can help promote strong growth. Follow the directions on the product packaging for how much to use.

Indian hawthorns are vulnerable to aphids, nematodes, and scale, among other insect pests. Keep an eye out for any leaf damage or discoloration, and apply a natural neem oil spray to get rid of any pests. Additionally, these shrubs are susceptible to fungi, particularly entomosporium leaf spot, which can result in leaf loss and damage. The rainy spring and fall seasons are when this fungus is most prevalent. By keeping the leaves dry and providing proper air circulation, avoid such diseases. Indian Hawthorn is a low-maintenance bush, which is ideal for enhancing your environment with seasonal blossoms and greens. Your Indian Hawthorn may continue to bloom year after year if you give it the proper amount of sunlight, hydration, and fertilizer on occasion. While being quite resilient, making the effort to properly care for and maintain this shrub will be rewarded with its stunning pink or white blooms. You'll have all the information you need to successfully cultivate Indian Hawthorn if you follow the tips above.

Is Indian hawthorn full sun or shade?

Indian Hawthorn loves full sun. Place this plant at least 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day.

Are Indian hawthorn cold hardy?

The majority of cultivars are probably hardy to a temperature of roughly 5 degrees Fahrenheit, or zone 7b. And Indian Hawthorn is the same.

Are Indian hawthorn berries poisonous?

No, its berries are not considered poisonous to both humans and animals.

Does Indian hawthorn stay green in winter?

Indian Hawthorn are evergreen, therefore their branches will still have dark green foliage throughout the winter.

Is Indian Hawthorn fast growing?

No, Indian Hawthorn is a slow-growing plant. Sources The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Rhaphiolepis indica - NC State University
2. What is Vermiculite? - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency