| Rhaphiolepis umbellata 'Alba'
Indian Hawthorn is a nice evergreen shrub option that can provide year round interest. Nice ovate / oblong leaves are a very dark green - new growth is a lighter green, maturing to dark forest green with age. Has a dense, mounded growth habit - usually almost twice as wide as it is tall. Foliage is completely evergreen, and sometimes will assume a silght purplish green during winter months. Produces dense clusters of pure white flowers that are slightly fragrant - this plant puts on a pretty good flower show during April & May. Flowers are followed by formation of bluish / purple berry like fruit in fall which persist on the plant all through the winter months.
Indian Hawthorn is quickly becoming an increasingly popular landscape choice, especially in southern locations. Has shown itself to have pretty good drought tolerance as well. Commonly used in anything from mass plantings in commercial locations, to low to mid range foreground / understory plantings. Also is an excellent choice for container gardening, and patio landscapes. Shows good shade tolerance - and excellent salt tolerance as well, but has also been susceptible to deer grazing.
Height: 3-4 ft
Spread: 4-7 ft
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate ( 3"-5" avg per year )
Hardiness Zones: 7-10
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Average to slightly acidic - prefers well drained soils
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