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Indian Hawthorn Wikimedia Commons
Rosaceae

Indian Hawthorn

Rhaphiolepis indica

Endurance and modest beauty.

Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Rhaphiolepis
Native to
Southern China, Vietnam
Bloom season
Spring
Type
evergreen shrub
Height
3-6 ft
Sunlight
full sun to part shade
Soil
well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
Water
moderate
Hardiness
7-11
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Despite its common name, Indian Hawthorn is native to China, not India; the 'Indian' likely refers to the East Indies trade routes.
  • The genus name Rhaphiolepis comes from Greek words meaning 'needle scale,' referring to the pointed bracts on the flower clusters.
  • The blue-black berries that follow the flowers are eaten by birds, which help spread the plant throughout urban and suburban areas.
  • It is one of the most popular foundation shrubs in the American South due to its drought tolerance, compact habit, and year-round foliage.
  • The plant is highly salt-tolerant and is commonly used in coastal landscaping where salt spray damages other ornamental shrubs.

Color meanings

0

elegance

1

composure

Uses

  • foundation planting
  • coastal landscaping
  • low hedges and borders