Indian-hawthorn is a dense, evergreen shrub from southern China that brings fragrant spring blooms and showy blue-black fruit to gardens in zones 8-10. This rosaceae family member typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and wide, though some sources report it can reach up to 6 feet in ideal conditions. Its serrate, oblong leaves emerge with bronze tints before maturing to deep green, and in spring it produces abundant white to light pink flowers in loose clusters, each just half an inch wide with 15-20 stamens. The real appeal lies in its toughness: once established, it tolerates drought well while still thriving in regular moisture, and birds love the resulting fruit.
Full Sun
Moderate
8-10
48in H x 48in W
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High
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The bronze-tinged new foliage unfurling against deep green mature leaves creates visual interest long after spring flowers fade. Indian-hawthorn blooms prolifically in late spring with fragrant white and pink flowers that attract pollinators, followed by ornamental blue-black fruit that persists and draws birds into the garden. It handles drought with ease once established, making it reliable in dry spells, yet it also adapts to regular watering. Full sun locations deliver the strongest flowering and best disease resistance, though it tolerates partial shade.
Indian-hawthorn serves as a hedge shrub, capitalizing on its dense, broad-leaved evergreen form and moderate growth rate. Its fragrant spring flowers and ornamental fruit make it valued as a landscape feature, and its ability to attract birds adds ecological interest to gardens and managed landscapes.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Prune Indian-hawthorn after flowering if needed to maintain its dense form or desired size. Regular pruning after the spring bloom cycle encourages shape without sacrificing next season's flowers.
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“Rhaphiolepis indica originates from slopes, wooded stream-side areas, and roadsides across southern China and Japan. The genus is endemic to warm-temperate and tropical regions of eastern Asia, where it has grown in these natural settings for centuries before being introduced to gardens worldwide. Its common name, India hawthorn, reflects historical trade and naming conventions, though its true native range centers on China and Japan rather than India.”