We include these mounding evergreen flowering shrubs in every landscape design we draw (where deer are not a problem). Dwarf Indian Hawthornes are great for using in foundation plantings, grouped in sunny beds and islands, or as low, informal hedges.

The pretty, star-shaped blooms are produced in massses atop the rich green foliage in Spring. For full sun areas of the landscape, Indian Hawthorne's are excellent alternatives to Azaleas which require afternoon shade. Indian Hawthorne's establish themsleves quickly and become exceptionally drought toleran. They can safely be planted any time of year. Below is a list of varieties that we usually keep large numbers of in stock.

	'Eleanor Taber' has received rave reviews from the University of Georgia for its many superior characteristics. This mounding hawthorne provides bright pink flowers in spring, year round green foliage, offers leaf spot resistance and a higher tolerance for the cold. Grows to 4' H x 4-6' W
	'Snow Pink' offers all the benefits found in the traditional 'Snow White' Hawthorne, a long-time staple in the landscape arena, such as disease resistance, compact growth habit, and rich foliage, but adds pretty pink blooms and a longer flowering period to its list of pros. Grows to 3' H x 3-5' W
	'Snow White' is the lowest growing, most dense form of the dwarf hawthorne selections we carry. Masses of white blooms are produced in spring above and nestled among the rich green foliage. This variety can be found in nearly every design we draw. Grows 3' H x 5-6'W.
	'Yedda' (Raphiolepis umbellata 'Minor') has more of an upright habit of growth. This handsome shrub has very dark green, wavy leaves and the new growth emerges as burgundy-orange. Abundant clusters of pure white flowers in spring are very showy. An excellent foundation shrub or hedge. We often use this plant as an alternative to 'Otto Luyken' laurels. Grows to 4-6' H x 4-5' W
	'Callisto' (Raphiolepis 'Callisto') is a 2007 New Introduction that is sure to become one of the most popular Indian hawthornes yet. The foliage is a very deep green and the leaves have a curled effect. The spring blooms of this variety are a deeper pink than any other we have seen. Grows 3' H x 4' W

Other Specifications:

Hardiness: In U.S.D.A. Zones 8-11. In colder zones that experience temperatures below 10 degrees F cold injury may occur.

Description
Indian hawthornes are low growing (3 to 4 feet), spreading evergreen shrubs with thick, leathery, serrated, oblong leaves, 2-3" long. They are dark green on top and lighter on bottom. Star shaped flowers are held at branch tips in loose clusters and are white or light pink, with five petals, and may be lightly fragrant. Flowers are followed by blue-black fruits with 1 or 2 seeds and provide food for cedar waxwings and other berry eating birds.

Origin
From Asia, especially India and southern China.

Culture
Must have well drained soil whether in sun or part shade. Avoid overhead irrigation at night. For most plants it is best to run irrigation systems during the early morning hours to avoid promoting fungus or leaf spot problems.

Light - Sun to part shade

Moisture - Provide average moisture after transplanting, this shrub is very drought tolerant once established.

Usage - Excellent shrub for foundation plantings and low hedges or in groups as borders.

Features
There are not many shrubs that can easily be kept under 3 feet and Indian Hawthorne is one of the best. This robust plant is evergreen, easy to grow, drought tolerant, with ornamental flowers and berries that birds will feed on thrown in as a bonus. A great selection for low maintenance plantings.

Pruning - Usually does not require pruning except for a stray branch or two. Pruning is best performed after bloom in spring.

2006 Plant of The Week Archives