Indian Hawthorn Plant Care

Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Rhaphiolepis genus. Indian Hawthorn is also known as East Asian Hawthorn.

Indian Hawthorn displays a compact, mounding shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Indian Hawthorn produces clusters of small, white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Indian Hawthorn every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Indian Hawthorn thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Rhaphiolepis indica tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Indian Hawthorn prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Indian Hawthorn to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Indian Hawthorn every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Indian Hawthorn is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Indian Hawthorn can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Indian Hawthorn while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Indian Hawthorn is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Indian Hawthorn can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds.

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Indian Hawthorn is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Indian Hawthorn grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Indian Hawthorn as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.