6 named cultivars

shrub

Indian Hawthorn

$26.14

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhaphiolepis indica, Indian hawthorn, is a compact broadleaf evergreen shrub from South China, Indo-China and temperate East Asia, forming a dense rounded mound about 4 to 6 ft tall and wide. Growth is rapid but the habit stays neat without pruning. Fragrant pink to white flower panicles open in spring above leathery dark foliage.

It is one of the most salt- and drought-tolerant evergreens for hot coastal gardens, holding up to wind and reflected heat beside pools and paving. Small purplish-black berries follow the flowers and persist into winter. Deer browse it readily, so it is a poor choice where deer pressure is high.

Uses & Benefits:

Fragrant pink and white spring panicles above dense evergreen foliage, followed by dark persistent berries.

A tough low evergreen for hot, dry, salty and reflected-heat positions where most shrubs fail.

Pollinators take nectar from the flowers and songbirds eat the berries; deer browse it readily.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low once established; drought tolerant

Humidity

Tolerates coastal humidity and salt air

Lifespan

Moderate; often 15 to 20 years before leaf spot tells

Native To

South China, Indo-China and temperate East Asia

Toxicity

No significant toxicity reported

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$26.14

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun; shade brings on leaf spot.
Plant into well-drained soil of almost any pH, including sand.
Space plants at least 4 ft apart so air moves between them.
Water in well and keep moist through the first season only.
Water at the base, never over the foliage.
Prune lightly straight after flowering if shaping is needed.

Pro Tip

Crowding and overhead irrigation are what turn Entomosporium leaf spot from a nuisance into defoliation; spacing beats spraying.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant it in full sun with free air movement ☀️
Water at ground level to keep the leaves dry 💧
Use it where salt spray and reflected heat defeat other shrubs 🌊
Clear and bin fallen spotted leaves 🍂

Don't

Do not plant it in shade or in a crowded block ❌
Do not use overhead irrigation on the foliage ❌
Do not plant it where deer pressure is heavy ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Leaf Spot Sanitation
Prune After Flowering

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Low evergreen mass planting along drives and foundationsCoastal and poolside planting exposed to salt and heatContainers and raised beds on a sunny terrace

Companion Plants

Dwarf yaupon holly Rosemary LantanaMuhly grass Dwarf oleander

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?

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

When does Indian Hawthorn bloom?

Indian Hawthorn typically blooms in spring, fragrant pink to white 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.