India Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis Indica ‘Snow White’)

India Hawthorn

Features and Characteristics

Rhaphiolepis indica, commonly known as India hawthorn, is a dense, broad-leaved evergreen shrub that typically grows to 4-6’ tall and as wide. It is native to slopes, wooded areas along streams and roadsides in southern China. It features serrate, oblong-lanceolate leaves (to 2-3″ long). New leaves emerge with bronze tints but mature to deep green. Fragrant, white to light pink flowers (1/2″ wide) bloom in spring in loose panicles to 2-3″ tall. Flowers are followed by blue-black berries.

Genus name comes from the Greek words rhaphis meaning a needle and lepis meaning a scale for the very narrow persistent bracteoles on the inflorescence.

Specific epithet means of India.

‘Snow White’ is a compact cultivar that typically grows to 2-3’ tall. Fragrant, pure white flowers (1/2” wide) bloom in spring.

Care and Maintenance

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10 where this shrub is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Best flowering and best resistance to leaf spot disease occur in locations with full sun. Tolerates light shade. Established plants tolerate some drought, but prefer regular moisture. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering this shrub because of its susceptibility to leaf spot. If needed, prune after flowering. This shrub is not winter hardy to the St. Louis climate.

India Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis Indica ‘Snow White’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	8 - 10
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

Leaf spot can be troublesome. Watch for aphids, nematodes and scale. Susceptible to fireblight.

Uses

Hedge, foundations, shrub borders.

India Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis Indica ‘Snow White’) Details

Common name	India Hawthorn
Botanical name	Rhaphiolepis Indica 'Snow White'
Plant type	Broadleaf Evergreen
Family	Rosaceae
Hardiness zone	8 - 10
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	White
Flowering period	May - July
Height	4 - 6 Ft.
Width	4 - 6 Ft.