Indian Hawthorn Rhaphiolepis × delacourii 'Coates' Crimson'

Water

The Indian Hawthorn should be watered deeply once a week during its growing season, especially if the weather has been dry. Ensure that the soil is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. Apply approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per session for an established plant, making sure to water at the base, avoiding wetting the foliage. During the winter, reduce watering frequency to every two to three weeks, depending on the soil moisture and weather conditions. Always check the top few inches of soil for dryness before watering.

Light

Indian Hawthorn thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily but can tolerate some light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. The ideal spot for the plant would be an area that is exposed to morning sunlight and offers some protection from the intense afternoon sun, which can be harsh on the foliage.

Temperature

Indian Hawthorn prefers a temperate climate and can generally tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F and as high as 90°F. Its ideal growing conditions are between 60°F and 80°F. The plant can survive brief periods of colder temperatures, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing should be avoided.

Pruning

Prune Indian Hawthorn to shape the plant, remove any dead or diseased branches, and to promote healthy growth and airflow. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This plant only needs light pruning once a year; however, if you are looking to maintain a specific shape or have a formal hedge, more frequent shaping may be required during the growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Indian Hawthorn 'Coates' Crimson' prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The best soil mix can be made by blending garden soil with compost and a handful of sand to improve drainage.

Repotting

Indian Hawthorn 'Coates' Crimson' typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the spring just before the growing season begins.

Humidity & Misting

Indian Hawthorn 'Coates' Crimson' is tolerant of varied humidity levels and thrives in typical outdoor conditions without requiring specific humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny to partly shaded spot; water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  7-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Rhaphiolepis x delacourii 'Coates' Crimson', commonly known as 'Coates' Crimson' Indian Hawthorn, begins with seed germination, which requires well-draining soil and occurs in warmer conditions. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a juvenile plant, developing a thick foliage of leathery, dark green leaves; during this stage, it establishes a root system and begins to take on a bushy form. Following the juvenile stage, the plant enters the flowering phase, typically in the spring, producing clusters of fragrant, deep pink to crimson flowers that attract pollinators. The flowers then give way to small, dark blue fruits that are favored by birds, thus aiding in seed dispersal. As a perennial, 'Coates' Crimson' Indian Hawthorn cycles through growth and dormancy annually, with periods of active growth in the spring and summer and dormancy in the colder months. If properly cared for, the plant can have a long life span, thriving and blooming year after year in the landscape.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Indian Hawthorn, Rhaphiolepis x delacourii 'Coates' Crimson', is most commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is during the late summer to early fall, when the current year's growth has begun to mature and harden slightly. To propagate, select healthy, disease-free branches and cut a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) portion with several leaves attached. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development, and then it should be planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist but not soggy, and placed in a warm environment with indirect light until roots develop, which may take several weeks. Once the cutting has rooted and shows new growth, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.