Indian-hawthorn

Indian-hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) generally prefers moist soil at all times, but not soggy or wet soil. It should be watered once or twice a week during its active growing season, which starts in the warmer months when the soil has warmed up, and ends in the cooler months when the days start to get shorter and moisture evaporates from the top layer of soil more quickly. During periods of heavy rainfall, it may not require any additional waterings during the active growing season. During the winter months, reduce the amount of water given to the plant to once every couple of weeks, or even less, depending on the climate. Make sure to water the Indian-hawthorn deeply and thoroughly when you do to promote healthy root growth and flowering.

Indian-hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is an attractive evergreen shrub that loves full sun, although it can tolerate some shade. The plant needs 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight to thrive. This full-sun loving plant should be planted in an area that gets plenty of sunshine during the morning, such as the south or west side of the house. However, during the hottest summer months, some protection from the midday sun is recommended to prevent the leaves from getting too scorched.

Indian-hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and health. Pruning should be done once a year in late winter or early spring. During pruning, dead and damaged branches should be removed, and any other branches that interfere with the desired shape should be trimmed. Make sure to leave some foliage in order to keep the plant healthy. As the plant grows, it may need to be gently tucked in to reshape it to the desired shape. When shaping the plant, take care to remove any crossing branches and thin the overcrowded branches. Pruning should be done with sharp, clean pruning shears to ensure a neat cut.