Indian Hawthorn
rhaphiolepis indica
Also known as: ["Indian hawthorn","Rhaphiolepis"]
Overview
A compact, evergreen shrub with leathery, dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant, pink or white flowers in spring.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Rhaphiolepis |
| Botanical Name: | Rhaphiolepis indica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate slightly sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if rejuvenation is needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to full sun to prevent leaf scorch; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend heavy soils with organic matter; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C); can tolerate mild frosts but thrives in warm, temperate climates.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize after pruning; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or air layering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is active.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open up the plant; heading back to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Shape plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage bushier growth; prune after flowering to avoid cutting off buds.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim root bound areas; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for older plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or browning edges in extreme heat or cold; slow growth in suboptimal temperatures.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; susceptible to frost damage in temperatures below 20°F (-6°C).
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; use frost cloth for protection in cold snaps.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; mist foliage during extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose appropriate fertilizer; apply at correct dilution; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they ingest the berries of Rhaphiolepis indica. The plant is not highly toxic to cats, but ingestion should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Rhaphiolepis indica berries can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic, but caution should be exercised to prevent accidental ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicRhaphiolepis indica, commonly known as Indian Hawthorn, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The berries are the most toxic part of the plant, though the effects are generally not severe.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Rhaphiolepis indica be watered?
A: Water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Rhaphiolepis indica require full sun?
A: It prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering.
Q: Is Rhaphiolepis indica deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant due to its leathery leaves.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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