shrub

Indian Hawthorn

Rhaphiolepis hybrid 'Oriental Pink'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhaphiolepis is a genus of evergreen shrubs native to subtropical and tropical East Asia, valued for their dense, rounded growth habits and leathery foliage. These resilient plants produce clusters of small, five-petaled flowers in spring, followed by dark blue-black berries that persist into winter.

'Oriental Pink' is a compact, mounding hybrid that reaches about three feet in height and width, making it ideal for low hedges or foundation plantings. It is distinguished by its profuse display of soft pink, wheel-shaped flowers and deep glossy green leaves that emerge with a bronze tint.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with glossy evergreen foliage, accented by soft pink spring flowers and dark winter berries.

Highly tolerant of salt spray and coastal winds, making it an excellent choice for seaside landscapes.

Flowers attract bees and other beneficial insect pollinators, while the persistent berries provide winter food for songbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

39"

Width

39"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

15-20 years

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Late spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to maximize flower production and ensure rapid leaf drying.
Amend heavy or poorly drained soils with organic matter, or construct raised beds to prevent waterlogged roots.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the container.
Water deeply during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, directing water at the soil level.

Pro Tip

Avoid overhead watering to prevent Entomosporium leaf spot, and prune immediately after flowering to maintain a tight, rounded form without cutting back into old, leafless wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering cycle finishes.

Don't

Do not use overhead sprinklers, which promote fungal leaf spot diseases.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as it will fail to regenerate.
Do not plant in low-lying areas where water pools or drains slowly.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeFoundation PlantingMass PlantingBorder EdgingCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Lantana Salvia Agapanthus Loropetalum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Indian Hawthorn questions

What zones can Indian Hawthorn grow in?

Indian Hawthorn is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Indian Hawthorn deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Indian Hawthorn, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Indian Hawthorn bloom?

Indian Hawthorn typically blooms in spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Indian Hawthorn need full sun?

Indian Hawthorn does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Indian Hawthorn drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Indian Hawthorn handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.