Indian hawthorn

Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis umbellata 'Blueberry Muffin') plants should be watered weekly, receiving approximately 1 inch of water per week. Check soil moisture levels weekly and water when the soil is dry to a depth of 1 to 2 inches. During hot, dry spells when the soil is already dry, water deeply, applying 1 to 2 inches of water every 5 to 7 days. Indian hawthorns should be given a deep soaking to encourage the roots to reach deeper into the soil. Avoid frequent, shallow watering since this can cause the roots to stay close to the surface. Once the hawthorns have established themselves, they will become more drought tolerant.

Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis umbellata 'Blueberry Muffin') loves full sun exposure. This evergreen shrub should get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown in regions with hot summers, the shrub should be placed in a location that offers some light shade during the hottest part of the day. This will help the plant to retain moisture and protect it from damage from the intense heat. During the winter months, the shrub will be fine with even less direct sunlight.

Indian hawthorn is an evergreen shrub that should be pruned in late winter or early spring. In mild climates, it can be pruned anytime of year. Before pruning, it's important to inspect the plant for dead, damaged, or diseased branches that should be removed. To maintain its size and shape, Indian hawthorn should be lightly pruned. Remove up to 1-third of the oldest stems at their base each year, cutting the stems just above a node. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. To reduce its size, cut back 1-third of its stems each year. Prune the stems to their base or to the desired height. Some stems can also be pruned to laterals. If you need to prune back further than 1-third of the stems, it's best to spread the pruning out over multiple years. This will ensure that the foliage and flowers of your Indian hawthorn remain abundant.