Care of the shrub Rhaphiolepis indica or Indian hawthorn |
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The genus Rhaphiolepis, family Rosaceae, includes 15 species of perennial shrubs native to China, Japan and Korea. Some species are: Rhaphiolepis indica, Rhaphiolepis umbellata, Rhaphiolepis lanceolata. Common names: Indian hawthorn, India hawthorn, Hong Kong hawthorn. This species is native to China. They are shrubs that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. They have alternate leaves, ovate, leathery and of a glossy dark green color. The pink or white flowers appear in terminal racemes and have 5 petals. They bloom in early spring. They produce fruits similar to small apples. They are used as isolated specimens in small gardens and to form bushy groups. Rhaphiolepis indica needs full sun exposure and protected from the wind and cold. The soil can be a substrate for pots with abundant organic matter. In case of transplantation, it's done in spring or autumn. Water regularly with lime-free water so that the substrate is always damp but not waterlogged. Fertilize in autumn with compost and 3 times with mineral fertilizer: at planting time, before flowering and at the beginning of autumn. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring or by cuttings in late summer. |
Images of the shrub Rhaphiolepis indica or Indian hawthorn |
 Rhaphiolepis indica  Rhaphiolepis indica  Rhaphiolepis indica  Rhaphiolepis indica  Rhaphiolepis indica  Rhaphiolepis indica |