Indian Hawthorn
Rhaphiolepis indica
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Pl. 6610 — Rhaphiolepis indica
Rhaphiolepis indicaRhaphiolepis indicaRhaphiolepis indicaRhaphiolepis indicaRhaphiolepis indicaRhaphiolepis indicaRhaphiolepis indicaRhaphiolepis indicaRhaphiolepis indicaRhaphiolepis indicaRhaphiolepis indicaRhaphiolepis indicaRhaphiolepis indicaRhaphiolepis indica
IOverview
Overview
Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is a shrub native to regions including Cambodia, China South-Central and Southeast, Hainan, Japan, Jawa, Laos, Nansei-shoto, Ogasawara-shoto, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various environments. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils and is hardy in zones 8-11. Indian Hawthorn is known for its edible fruit, which adds a unique touch to culinary preparations. Its distinctive features include small, white flowers and shiny, dark green leaves, making it an ornamental choice as well.
Quick answers
What is Indian Hawthorn?
Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is a shrub native to regions including Cambodia, China South-Central and Southeast, Hainan, Japan, Jawa, Laos, Nansei-shoto, Ogasawara-shoto, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Indian Hawthorn thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 8-11, making it suitable for warmer climates. The plant requires moderate watering, tolerating both dry conditions and occasional moisture. For propagation, use cuttings or seeds. Indian Hawthorn grows to a height of about 1.5 meters and its fruit can be consumed.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Indian Hawthorn for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Indian Hawthorn in a sunny spot, and you'll have a low-maintenance shrub that will thrive.
- 1
What you'll need
Indian Hawthorn plants or seeds, potting soil, containers if transplanting.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil. For containers, choose a pot with drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly into the ground after preparing the soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for a few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry periods. Prune lightly in late winter.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches as needed. Flowers are not typically harvested.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting pruning, exposing to full sun immediately after planting.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Indian Hawthorn's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often consumed fresh but may also be dried for later use. SKIP
Other uses:DyeHedgerow
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 12 native· 1 introduced
Asia7 regions
native (7)CambodiaChinaJapanLaosTaiwanThailandVietnam
Broader regions
native:Hainan, Jawa, Nansei-shoto, Ogasawara-shoto
introduced:New South Wales
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 66107492-2d5a-4922-a1ef-98b0040ed282
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