Indian Hawthorn
Rhaphiolepis indica

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Pink, White. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Early spring, Late fall, Late spring, Mid fall, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal.

Rhaphiolepis indica is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Rocky hills, slopes, roadsides and streamside thickets at elevations of 100 - 1600 metres.

E. Asia - S. China from Yunnan eastwards.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit. . The fruit is about 8mm in diameter. No more details are given.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Plants can be used for informal hedging in areas that are frost free or almost so. Dark blue, turquoise and purple dyes are obtained from the fruit.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Erosion control, Foundation, Ground cover, Massing, Standard, Seashore. Requires a well-drained moisture retentive fertile loam or peaty soil in a warm sheltered sunny position. Tolerates all but the hottest desert climates. A very ornamental plant, it is hardier in Britain than is generally supposed, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c. Plants succeed outdoors in S. Cornwall but are generally best grown on a sunny south-facing wall. Plants do not require pruning. A polymorphic species, there are a number of named varieties selected for their ornamental value. Plants resent root disturbance and so are best grown in pots and then planted out into their permanent positions as soon as possible. Special Features:Not North American native, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a shady position in a warm greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown in February/March in a warm greenhouse. Germination is variable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5cm with a heel, September/October in a frame. Fair percentage. Layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Crataegus indica.