Rhaphiolepis indica – Indian Hawthorn

$270.00

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Size: 40cm

40cm

Current Stock Height Guides

*** Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons.No guarantee is giventhat supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal andis not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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About Rhaphiolepis indica – Indian Hawthorn

Rhaphiolepis indica is the true Indian Hawthorn species, the wild parent behind every named cultivar on the market. It is a hardy evergreen shrub with thick leathery leaves, a naturally open rounded habit and clusters of small white to blush-pink flowers through spring, followed by dark blue-black berries.

The species grows larger and looser than the compact selections. Expect 1.5 to 2.5 metres tall and wide, against roughly 1 metre for cultivars such as 'Snow Maiden' or 'Rajah'. That extra size makes it the right choice where you need a screening hedge with real height rather than a low border, and it takes hard clipping far better than the dwarf forms.

It is one of the toughest shrubs available for coastal and exposed sites. Salt spray, sandy soil, heat, poor ground and light to moderate frost are all handled without fuss once established, which is why the species turns up in council and roadside plantings across Australia where irrigation is not an option.

Full sun gives the densest growth and heaviest flowering. It will grow in part shade with a more open habit and lighter flowering.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Rhaphiolepis indica

What is Rhaphiolepis indica?

Rhaphiolepis indica is the botanical species commonly known as Indian Hawthorn. It is an evergreen shrub in the rose family with glossy leathery foliage, clusters of white to blush-pink spring flowers and dark blue-black berries. Every named Indian Hawthorn cultivar sold in Australia is a selection from this species.

How is the species different to 'Snow Maiden', 'Oriental Pearl' or 'Rajah'?

Size and habit are the main differences. The named cultivars have been selected for compactness and sit around 1 to 1.5 metres, with a tight rounded dome. The straight species grows to 1.5 to 2.5 metres with a more open, informal habit, so it works as a proper screening hedge rather than a low border. Species flowers are typically white to pale blush, where cultivars have been selected for stronger pink or pure white displays.

How big does it grow?

Around 1.5 to 2.5 metres tall and wide at maturity, depending on position and how often it is clipped. Growth is moderate at 20 to 30 centimetres a year. Kept trimmed it holds easily at 1.2 to 1.5 metres as a hedge.

When does it flower?

Through spring, typically September to November in most Australian gardens. Flowers are small and carried in clusters, white to blush-pink, and are well worked by bees. Dark blue-black berries follow and are taken by birds.

Is it suitable for coastal gardens?

Yes, it is one of the better shrubs for exposed coastal sites. It handles salt-laden wind and sandy free-draining soils, which reflects its natural habitat on coastal slopes in southern China and Japan. Front-line beach positions still benefit from some shelter while plants establish.

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Around 80 centimetres to 1 metre apart for a screening hedge. For a faster join, plant at 70 centimetres. As a specimen or in mass planting, allow 1 to 1.5 metres so each plant keeps its natural form.

Is it drought tolerant?

Yes, once established. Water regularly through the first summer to build the root system, after which it copes with extended dry periods on minimal watering. The species is used widely in unirrigated commercial and roadside plantings for exactly this reason.

How do I care for it?

Water through the first summer, then only in extended dry spells. Feed with a slow-release fertiliser in early spring. Trim after flowering to shape or to hold hedge height. The species takes harder pruning than the dwarf cultivars and will reshoot from older wood. Space plants for air movement to reduce leaf spot in humid conditions.

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Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Rhaphiolepis indica – Indian Hawthorn is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 1.5m to 2.5m

Mature Width: 1.5m to 2.5m

Rhaphiolepis indica – Indian Hawthorn is expected to grow 20cm to 30cm per year.

Frost Tolerance

Is Rhaphiolepis indica – Indian Hawthorn frost tolerant?

Rhaphiolepis indica – Indian Hawthorn is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Flowering Information

Rhaphiolepis indica carries clusters of small white to blush-pink flowers through spring, typically September to November in Australia. Flowering is heaviest in full sun. Dark blue-black berries follow through summer and hold on the plant well into autumn.

Native Information

Is Rhaphiolepis indica – Indian Hawthorn an Australian Native? No

Rhaphiolepis indica – Indian Hawthorn is Native to Southern China, Vietnam and Japan. Rhaphiolepis indica grows naturally on coastal slopes, open hillsides and rocky ground, which is the source of its salt, heat and drought tolerance. This is the straight species, the wild parent from which every named Indian Hawthorn cultivar has been selected.

Wildlife Value

The clustered white to blush spring flowers of Rhaphiolepis indica provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. Dark blue-black berries follow through summer and are taken by birds, and the dense evergreen habit gives year-round shelter and nesting cover for small garden birds.

Sunlight Information

Rhaphiolepis indica – Indian Hawthorn will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered Soil

Rhaphiolepis indica grows in almost any free-draining soil, from coastal sand through to loam, and tolerates poorer ground where more demanding shrubs struggle. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The only real requirement is drainage, as persistently wet soil leads to root rot.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Indian Hawthorn

Genus: Rhaphiolepis

Botanical Species: indica

Family: Rosaceae

Botanical Name: Rhaphiolepis indica

Landscape Uses

Shrubs
Screening or Privacy
Council or Civic Landscapes
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Rhaphiolepis indica – Indian Hawthorn works in an:

Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.
Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.

Planting, Spacing & Care

Site: Full sun for the densest growth and heaviest flowering, in any free-draining soil.

Hole: Dig twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in and water deeply.

Mulch: Apply a 50 mm layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it clear of the stems.

Screening hedge: 80 cm to 1 metre apart for a continuous line, or 70 cm for a faster join.

Mass planting: 1 to 1.5 metres apart so each plant keeps its natural rounded form.

Feature or pots: Standalone in a 50 cm or larger container for entries, courtyards and coastal balconies.

Watering: Water regularly through the first summer to establish. After that, only during extended dry periods.

Pruning: Trim after flowering to shape or to hold hedge height. The species takes harder pruning than the dwarf cultivars and will reshoot from older wood.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release fertiliser in early spring.

Pest and disease: Very hardy. Leaf spot can appear in humid conditions with poor air movement, so space plants to allow circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Sandy soils: Excellent, including exposed coastal sand profiles.

Loam soils: Ideal, producing the densest growth and heaviest flowering.

Clay soils: Tolerated if drainage is adequate. Improve heavy clay with gypsum and compost, or plant on a raised mound.

pH preference: Slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0.

Rhaphiolepis indica – Indian Hawthorn is expected to grow 20cm to 30cm per year.

Medium Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
Inland QLD (Darling Downs, Central QLD)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa
Riverland & Murraylands

Thrives in

Full Sun
Part Shade

Frost Tolerance

Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Drought Tolerance

Through establishment Rhaphiolepis indica benefits from regular watering to build a strong root system. Once established it is genuinely drought tolerant and copes with extended dry periods on minimal supplementary watering, reflecting its origins on dry coastal slopes. This hardiness is why the species is used so widely in unirrigated commercial and roadside plantings.