Oriental Pearl Indian Hawthorn

Rhaphiolepis indica, commonly called Indian Hawthorn, makes a lovely, low-maintenance addition to your garden landscape. The Oriental Pearl cultivar has a compact growth habit that works well in small gardens, containers, and existing foundation plantings to add winter color. The small and fragrant white flowers bloom throughout the winter and are an important food source for nonmigrating hummingbirds and early and late-season beneficial insects. The glossy, deep green foliage stays fresh and clean for 12 months of the year and is the perfect backdrop for early spring bulbs and ephemeral plants. 

Oriental Pearl Hawthorn is resistant to most fungal diseases and is virtually rabbit- and deer-proof. The lush foliage can be left to grow naturally to form low thickets of ground cover or sheared after flowering to form topiary or formal, low-growing hedges. Container-grown shrubs can be placed near entry or walkways to add a seasonal burst of color and year-round structure. Indian Hawthorn is drought tolerant and requires little upkeep during the growing season. 

Oriental Pearl Indian Hawthorn Care

Indian Hawthorn is not fussy about growing conditions and adapts to a wide range of soil types and moisture levels. Full to part sun encourages ample flowering. Plant it in average, well-draining soil to keep the roots from sitting in water, especially during the colder winter months. Indian Hawthorn is suited for climates with mild winters and is reliably hardy in USDA zones 7-11. 

Water plants consistently for the first 2-3 years to establish a strong root system. Let the soil of container-grown plants dry slightly between waterings. Fertilize at the end of the bloom cycle with a slow-release, balanced formula. 

Mulch the root zone well early in the spring with either finely shredded arborist chips or organic compost. This helps to suppress weed growth during the summer and conserve moisture in the soil. Prune only after flowering has finished early in the spring to encourage a tight, compact shape. Allow Hawthorn to spread naturally to create a ground cover effect or a more naturalistic look in a garden border.  

Oriental Pearl Indian Hawthorn Spacing

Oriental Pearl matures to a height of 2-3 feet and spread of 3-4 feet. Space plants 4 feet from each other in a mass planting. Container-grown plants will require a pot with at least an 18-inch diameter for single specimens.

Oriental Pearl Indian Hawthorn Information