If you’d love a shrub that looks like an azalea but doesn’t mind our hot, dry weather and alkaline desert soil, Indian hawthorne may be what you’re looking for. Here’s how to plant and care for this Southeast Asian native.
If you’ve lived elsewhere in the US, particularly along one of the coasts, you may miss the sight of azaleas in bloom and have wondered whether you can grow them in the southwest.
In a word… No.
Azaleas like a “gentle” environment — rich, moist, acidic soil, and moderate humidity. They don’t like the desert’s harsh environment — dry, alkaline soil, temperature extremes, intense sun, wind, and low humidity.
Indian hawthorne (Rhaphiolepis indica) makes an excellent alternative to azaleas. This shrub looks like it belongs in a woodland and has a well-behaved, mounding form.
This colorful shrub has leathery green leaves tinged with red and clusters of pink, crab-apple-like flowers in the spring. Its dark blue fruits are enjoyed by birds and small mammals.
When planted in the right spot, Indian Hawthorne is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant. It’s not unusual to see it grown in commercial settings.
Why I Like This Plant
- Pretty pink flowers
- Leathery evergreen foliage
- Low maintenance
- No thorns, low-litter, non-toxic
- Attracts birds, bees, and butterflies
Things to Watch Out For
Indian hawthorne has a few pests and diseases, which can largely be mitigated by growing plants in the right spot.
Deer like to nibble on the foliage, if that’s a concern in your garden.
Optimal Growing Conditions
If you’re thinking of adding an Indian hawthorne to your garden, you need to find a suitable place that will keep your plant healthy and looking good… while minimizing maintenance for you.
Here are the key factors to keep in mind.
Temperature
Indian hawthorne should be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 – 11. It may experience some damage in extreme temperatures — freeze damage in the winter and leaf burn in the summer if the temperature gets above 115℉. It can survive temperatures as low as 10℉.
Sun Exposure
Indian hawthorne does best in part shade or full sun with afternoon shade. It can get sun scald when exposed to reflected heat or full afternoon sun.
However, plants grown in too much shade are prone to diseases and will have fewer flowers.
Size and Growth Rate
Indian hawthorne is a moderately fast grower and reaches a mature size of 5 feet tall and wide. (Some cultivars are smaller.)
Soil
Indian hawthorne prefers rich, loamy, acidic, well-draining soil, but will tolerate typical desert soil. For best results, amend the soil when planting. Plants can develop chlorosis when grown in alkaline native desert soil.
Pests & Diseases
Indian hawthorne is widely grown throughout the southern US. It’s a member of the rose family (Roseacea) and shares some of the same problems.
In wetter climates, it’s susceptible to numerous pests and diseases, including aphids, scale, fire blight, and nematodes.
But its most common disease is a fungus known as leaf spot (Entomosporium mespili). Fortunately, it’s only a problem here when there’s been regular winter rainfall or when leaves frequently get wet from overhead watering.
Other Location Considerations
Because this shrub has no thorns, is non-toxic, and is nearly litter-free, you can feel comfortable growing it near a pool, sidewalk, or anywhere it might come in contact with pets and people.
It makes an excellent foundation or border plant.
Since it likes rich acidic soil, consider growing one in a large container.
Indian Hawthorne:
The Essentials
| Common Name | Indian hawthorne |
| Scientific Name | Rhaphiolepis indica |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub |
| USDA Zones | Zones 7 – 10 |
| Cold Hardy | To 10℉ |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Flower Season | Spring |
| Mature Size | 4-6’ high x 4-6’ wide |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Sun Tolerance | Part sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Pests/Diseases | Insects, leaf spot |
| Garden friendly | No thorns, non-toxic, low litter |
| Wildlife | Attracts birds, bees, butterflies |
How to Plant
When planting any shrub in the desert, dig a hole three times as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Since Indian hawthorne prefers fertile soil, it’s recommended that you amend your hole with compost or a commercial soil mix.
When to Plant
The best time to plant Indian hawthorne is in the fall. This gives your shrub three seasons to grow roots and get established before the following summer.
The second best time is in spring, the earlier the better. This still gives your plant time to get established before the intense heat of June arrives.
How to Care for Indian Hawthorne
Whether you’ve recently planted an Indian hawthorne or have an existing one in your yard, here’s how to take care of it to keep it healthy and looking its best.
How to Water New Plants
Once you’ve got your shrub in the ground, watering is your most immediate concern. Here is the recommended watering schedule for new shrubs planted in the spring or fall.
| Weeks 1 & 2 | Every 3 – 4 days |
| Weeks 3 & 4 | Every 5 – 7 days |
| Weeks 5 & 6 | Every 7 – 10 days |
| Weeks 7 & 8 | Every 10 – 14 days |
How to Water Established Plants
As your shrub gets established, there are two watering factors to consider.
- First is how often to water. This will vary with the seasons.
- Second is how much water to give your shrub with each watering. This depends on its current size.
To determine the ideal watering schedule for your Indian hawthorne, you’ll find everything you need to know, including easy-to-use charts, at How to Water Desert Shrubs: How Often? How Much?
Should You Fertilize?
Fertilizer is not mandatory, but an annual application of fertilizer in late winter or early spring helps your plant’s general appearance and vitality, and may reduce the likelihood of pests and diseases.
Plants can develop iron chlorosis when grown in alkaline desert soil. If your plant’s leaves turn yellow between the veins, fertilize it with chelated iron.
How to Prune
Indian hawthorne is a manageable shrub with a naturally mounding form that doesn’t need much pruning. Pinching tips after flowering will encourage bushiness and keep plants compact.
Do not shear this plant, which destroys its natural form.
I lived in a house that had a few mature Indian hawthorns, and they did not need pruning during the 5 years I resided there!
Indian Hawthorne Cultivars
There are a surprising number of Indian hawthorne cultivars that vary in size, form, disease-resistance, and flower color. Here are a few you may come across and what sets them apart from the parent plant.
- ‘Ballerina‘ – compact, reblooms in fall
- ‘Clara‘ – white flowers
- ‘Fiesta‘ – variegated leaves
- ‘Redbird‘ – new leaves deep red, flowers start white and turn pink
- ‘Oriental Pearl‘ – compact, white flowers
Plant Lover Facts
Indian hawthorne (Rhaphiolepis indica) is native to Southeast Asia, specifically Cambodia, China, Japan, Java, Laos, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. It has become an invasive weed in parts of eastern Australia.
Have you grown this plant?
Was it a “hit” or a “miss” in your garden?
Please share your experience in the comments below!
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Author Bio
Deane Alban is the creator of Southwest Gardener. She is a science writer with a bachelor’s degree in botany from the University of South Florida. Gardening is her lifelong passion. She’s been gardening in Tucson for 15 years.
Photo Credits
McJaje, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Laitr Keiows, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons