Rhaphiolepis indica

Indian Hawthorn grows best in full sun but will tolerate afternoon shade as well. If it receives too much shade, it will cause the shrub to lose its neat, compact growth habit. It isn’t fussy about the soil, but it’s a good idea to work in some compost before planting if the soil is heavy clay or sand. It can tolerate salt spray and salty soil, so they are ideal for seaside planting.

Take semi- ripe cuttings from this season's growth in Autumn. Cut neatly, just below a leaf node, a 5" approx. piece of a healthy shoot that has soft growth at the tip. pinch out the growing tip, and cut off the bottom leaves. Dip the bottom of the cutting in hormone rooting powder, and carefully place in a pot of cutting compost with the leaves just above the level of the compost. Water, label, cover with a polythene bag, and place in a warm, bright place, out of direct sunlight. Take the polythene bag off periodically for a while for ventilation (at least twice a week)

Indian hawthorn flowers are white or pink, and appear in loose clusters in late Winter or Spring, and these flowers are often followed by small purple fruits that are attractive to birds. There is sometimes a second blooming in Autumn - less impressive than Spring blooming.