Species

Rhaphiolepis indicaIndian Hawthorn

5 other cultivars

shrub

Indian Hawthorn 'Oriental Pearl'

Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhaphiolepis indica, commonly known as Indian hawthorn, is an evergreen shrub native to East and Southeast Asia. The species is characterised by leathery, serrated foliage and terminal clusters of five-petalled flowers that transition into dark blue-black berries.

'Oriental Pearl' is a dwarf, compact cultivar that naturally maintains a dense, rounded mound without regular shearing. It produces white flowers with prominent pink stamens from autumn through to late spring, set against glossy, deep green leaves.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense, glossy evergreen foliage and white flowers with pink stamens provide year-round structure and seasonal interest.

Functions as a highly salt-tolerant low hedge or windbreak in coastal gardens and requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape.

Provides nectar and pollen for native bees and other beneficial insect pollinators during its long flowering season.

SpeciesRhaphiolepis indicaIndian Hawthorn

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

39 inches

Width

39 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

East and Southeast Asia (parent species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Autumn – Late spring

In flower about 8 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with highly permeable, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and level with the surrounding soil surface to prevent water pooling around the crown.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water deeply to settle the roots.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it several centimetres clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing this cultivar into formal geometric shapes; constant hedging removes the terminal buds where flowers form and results in a dense outer shell of foliage with a bare, woody interior.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently during the first two to three years to establish a deep root system.
Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush to maintain shape.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent Phytophthora root rot.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood, as recovery is slow and patchy.
Do not overwater or plant in low-lying areas where water collects.
Do not shear the plant into tight formal balls year-round, which destroys flowering wood.

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

Low hedgeBorder edgingMass plantingContainer specimen

Companion Plants

Correa alba Westringia 'Smokey'Dietes grandiflora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Indian Hawthorn 'Oriental Pearl' questions

What zones can Indian Hawthorn 'Oriental Pearl' grow in?

Indian Hawthorn 'Oriental Pearl' 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.

When does Indian Hawthorn 'Oriental Pearl' bloom?

Indian Hawthorn 'Oriental Pearl' typically blooms in autumn 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 'Oriental Pearl' need full sun?

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

Is Indian Hawthorn 'Oriental Pearl' drought tolerant?

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