A tough, compact rounded shrub with leathery dark leaves and clusters of starry white-to-pink flowers in spring, followed by blue-black berries. A reliable low coastal hedge needing little care.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1.2 m H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Indian Hawthorn
Botanically, Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl' is a moderate-growing shrub in the Rosaceae family. It reaches around 1.2 m tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. White and pink flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Indian Hawthorn
Indian Hawthorn suits warm-temperate, subtropical and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Indian Hawthorn does best in free-draining, loamy and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 60 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Indian Hawthorn is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Indian Hawthorn after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Indian Hawthorn in the garden
Indian Hawthorn earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Indian Hawthorn with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Buying Indian Hawthorn
Plant Sale lists Indian Hawthorn as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.