Maintenance Landscaping Design

Indian hawthorn is an evergreen shrub that is native to Asia. It has glossy, dark green leaves and small, white flowers that bloom in the spring. Indian hawthorn is a popular landscaping plant because it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

Also called

• Indian Hawthorn
  
• Japanese Hawthorn
  
• Chinese Hawthorn
  
• English Hawthorn
  
• American Hawthorn

Common Knowledge

• Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to eastern Asia.
  
• It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
  
• Indian hawthorn typically reaches a height of 2-5 m (6-14 ft).
  
• The leaves are oblong to oval-shaped, and measure 2-7 cm (0.8-8 in) in length.
  
• The flowers are white or pink, and borne in clusters of 3-5 blooms.
  
• Indian hawthorn flowers from late spring to early summer.
  
• The fruits are small, spherical, and black, ripening from late summer to early fall.
  
• Indian hawthorn is relatively easy to grow, and is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions.
  
• It is however, susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale insects, and fungal diseases.
  
• Indian hawthorn is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world, such as Australia and New Zealand.

Related plant:
Indian Hawthorn Plant

Growing Steps

1. For indian hawthorn, first step is to check your soil type and amend as needed.
   
2. Next, find a sunny spot in your garden and dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the pot your plant is currently in.
   
3. Gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole.
   
4. Backfill the hole with soil and water well.
   
5. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
   
6. Indian hawthorn will need to be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
   
7. Fertilize your plant in early spring and again in mid-summer with a general purpose fertilizer.
   
8. To encourage blooming, prune your plant in late winter or early spring.
   
9. Indian hawthorn is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, so be on the lookout for signs of trouble.
   
10. With proper care, your indian hawthorn will thrive and bloom for many years to come!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Indian Hawthorn grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be moist but well-drained, and rich in organic matter. If the soil is too alkaline, the plant may suffer from nutrient deficiencies.

Light requirement

Similar to other plants, the Indian hawthorn needs a certain amount of sunlight to grow properly. The amount of sunlight required by the Indian hawthorn depends on the variety, but most need at least four to six hours of sunlight each day. If the plant does not get enough sunlight, it will become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for Indian hawthorn is that it must be in full sun to partial sun. It also needs to be in moist to dry soil that is well-drained. Indian hawthorn can tolerate a wide range of soils, including those that are clay or sand based. It is also tolerant of salt and drought.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. The plant can tolerate some periods of drought, but will not thrive unless it has regular access to water. If the air is too dry, the leaves may curl and the plant may drop its flowers.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this type of plant prefers soil that is high in organic matter. A good way to provide this is to add compost to the planting hole when first setting out the Indian hawthorn. In subsequent years, topdress the area around the plant with an inch or two of compost in early spring. As for the roots, they should be kept moist but not soggy. Overly wet conditions can lead to problems such as root rot.

Plant Pruning

Pruning Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This evergreen shrub can be pruned to maintain its shape, or to control its size. To promote new growth and flowering, cut back the stems by one-third to one-half their length. Indian hawthorn can also be pruned to remove dead or diseased wood.

The Propagation

Propagation is best done by taking semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn. Remove a shoot that has just started to harden, and cut it into lengths of around 10cm. Dip the base of the cutting into root hormone powder and plant in a propagator or a pot filled with moistened perlite or vermiculite. Keep at a temperature of 18-21°C in a light position but out of direct sunlight. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, pot up the cuttings into 9cm pots filled with John Innes No.2 potting compost and overwinter in a cold greenhouse or frame. In late spring or early summer, harden off the plants and acclimatise them to outdoor conditions before planting out in their permanent positions.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is fast, about 30 to 60 centimeters per year. They can also endure a wide range of soil types and moisture levels. Indian hawthorn are low-maintenance, and once they are established, they do not need much water. They are also resistant to many pests and diseases.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are (1) powdery mildew, (2) rust, (3) leaf spot, and (4) root rot. However, these problems are usually not fatal and the plants can recover if the conditions are right.

Tips on Growing

• Do not forget to water your Indian Hawthorn regularly. These plants are quite drought tolerant, so they will need to be watered deeply and thoroughly about once a week.
  
• Fertilize your Indian Hawthorn every few weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your Indian Hawthorn regularly to encourage new growth and to keep the plant compact and full.
  
• When planting Indian Hawthorn, be sure to choose a location that has well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
  
• Indian Hawthorn are generally very pest and disease resistant, but watch out for scale insects, which can sometimes be a problem.
  
• These plants are generally very deer resistant, but young plants may be browsed by deer if they are desperate for food.
  
• Indian Hawthorn make excellent hedges or foundation plants, and they can also be used in mass plantings.
  
• If you live in an area

Alternative Plants

• Crataegus ambigua (indian hawthorn)
  
• Crataegus arnottiana (Indian hawthorn)
  
• Crataegus balansae (indian hawthorn)
  
• Crataegus capituliflora (indian hawthorn)
  
• Crataegus cuneata (indian hawthorn)
  
• Crataegus eversmannii (indian hawthorn)
  
• Crataegus glowiensis (indian hawthorn)
  
• Crataegus hupehensis (indian hawthorn)
  
• Crataegus niger (indian hawthorn)
  
• Crataegus persimilis (indian hawthorn)
  

Source:
Rhaphiolepis x delacourii (Indian Hawthorn, Rhaphiolepis) | North ...
Plant ID Ornamentals Indian Hawthorn - University of Florida
Indian hawthorns give spring blooms | Mississippi State University ...