{"product_id":"rhaphiolepis-indica-indian-hawthorn","title":"Rhaphiolepis indica – Indian Hawthorn","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRhaphiolepis indica\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull sun gives the densest growth and heaviest flowering. It will grow in part shade with a more open habit and lighter flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin:44px 0 16px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:1.5px;margin:0 0 8px;padding-top:32px;border-top:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);text-transform:uppercase;color:currentColor;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 24px;color:currentColor;opacity:0.65;font-size:14px;font-style:italic;\"\u003eAbout Rhaphiolepis indica\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eWhat is Rhaphiolepis indica?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eRhaphiolepis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eHow is the species different to 'Snow Maiden', 'Oriental Pearl' or 'Rajah'?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eSize 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eHow big does it grow?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eAround 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eWhen does it flower?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eThrough 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eIs it suitable for coastal gardens?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eYes, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eHow far apart should I plant it for a hedge?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eAround 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eIs it drought tolerant?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eYes, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eHow do I care for it?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eWater 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Evergreen Trees Direct","offers":[{"title":"40cm","offer_id":47084432556231,"sku":"RHAIND40CM","price":270.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/4945\/4279\/files\/RHAPHIOLEPSISINDICA40cm.png?v=1788419416","url":"https:\/\/www.evergreentrees.com.au\/products\/rhaphiolepis-indica-indian-hawthorn","provider":"Evergreen Trees Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}