shrub

Eleanor Taber Indian Hawthorne

Rhaphiolepis indica 'Conor'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Southern China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhaphiolepis indica, or Indian Hawthorne, is a tough, low-maintenance evergreen shrub popular in warm climates. It is valued for its mounding habit, leathery leaves, and clusters of spring flowers followed by small, dark berries. Eleanor Taber ('Conor') is a highly regarded cultivar known for its exceptional resistance to Entomosporium leaf spot, a disease that plagues many other varieties. It has a vigorous, spreading habit and produces abundant light pink flowers.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Eleanor Taber provides a beautiful spring display of light pink flowers against its handsome, dark green evergreen foliage. Its naturally mounding and spreading habit creates a soft, pleasing form in the landscape.

This is an extremely tough, low-maintenance shrub ideal for challenging sites. Its high tolerance for drought, salt spray, and heat makes it a go-to choice for coastal regions, parking lot islands, and low-water landscapes.

The spring flowers are a food source for bees and other pollinators. The dark purple berries that follow are eaten by birds.

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Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
It is adaptable to various soil types but drainage is crucial.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Water regularly for the first year; it is very drought-tolerant once established.

Pro Tip

Choose this variety for its superior disease resistance, especially in humid climates where leaf spot is a common problem.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best flowering and densest growth.
Ensure the soil is well-drained.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.
Space plants appropriately to allow for good air circulation.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet soil.
Avoid frequent, shallow watering.
Don't shear into a tight ball; it ruins the natural form and can promote disease.
Avoid planting less disease-resistant varieties in humid areas.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable coastal or seaside plantingLow-maintenance mass planting or groundcoverTough foundation shrub for sunny spots

Companion Plants

Agapanthus Liriope Pittosporum Juniperus Lantana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Eleanor Taber Indian Hawthorne questions

What zones can Eleanor Taber Indian Hawthorne grow in?

Eleanor Taber Indian Hawthorne 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 Eleanor Taber Indian Hawthorne deer resistant?

Yes — Eleanor Taber Indian Hawthorne is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Eleanor Taber Indian Hawthorne bloom?

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

Does Eleanor Taber Indian Hawthorne need full sun?

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

Is Eleanor Taber Indian Hawthorne drought tolerant?

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