Species

Rhaphiolepis indicaIndian Hawthorn

7 other cultivars

shrub

India Hawthorn

Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhaphiolepis indica, the India hawthorn, is a dense evergreen shrub native to southern China and Southeast Asia, growing as a mounding landscape plant in warm climates. It features thick, leathery, glossy dark green leaves and produces clusters of small flowers followed by blue-black berries.

'Snow Maiden' is a dwarf, compact cultivar that reaches thirty to forty inches in height with a rounded, mounding growth habit. It is distinguished by its pure white, semi-double to single flowers that bloom profusely from winter through spring, and new foliage that emerges with subtle bronze tints.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers year-round structure with glossy evergreen foliage, bronze new growth, and a dense cover of white spring flowers.

Highly tolerant of salt spray and coastal winds, making it an excellent windbreak or foundation plant for seaside gardens.

Provides nectar for general pollinators and produces blue-black berries that feed local birds and small mammals.

SpeciesRhaphiolepis indicaIndian Hawthorn

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

40"

Width

40"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to maximize flower density and prevent foliar diseases.
Amend the planting area with organic matter to ensure the soil is highly permeable and free-draining.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container level.
Water deeply to establish, then transition to infrequent watering once the root system is mature.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing this shrub into rigid geometric shapes, which destroys its natural mounding form and drastically reduces flowering. Prune lightly only after spring flowering finishes, and never cut back into old, leafless bare wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to ensure optimal disease resistance and dense flowering.
Clear away fallen leaves from around the base of the plant to reduce fungal spore carryover.
Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering cycle has concluded.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged, or chronically wet soils.
Do not use overhead sprinkler irrigation, which triggers foliar leaf spot.
Do not shear the plant into tight geometric balls or cut back into bare wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingHedgeMass PlantingBorder EdgingContainer Friendly

Companion Plants

Abelia grandiflora Distylium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

India Hawthorn questions

What zones can India Hawthorn grow in?

India 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 India Hawthorn deer resistant?

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

When does India Hawthorn bloom?

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

Does India Hawthorn need full sun?

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

Is India Hawthorn drought tolerant?

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