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Rhaphiolepis indica 'Clara'Local DFW Delivery Only
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Indian Hawthorn Clara
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Clara'Clara Indian Hawthorn is an evergreen shrub known for its neat growth and bright spring display. It grows to 4 feet tall and wide at maturity with a naturally rounded shape. The foliage is glossy and deep green, setting the stage for gorgeous white flower clusters that appear in spring. After blooming, it maintains its tidy silhouette, making it suitable for edging, pathways, or massed beds. Indian Hawthorn Clara's evergreen presence blends well with a range of planting styles and provides a strong visual base for seasonal flowers and grasses.
- An evergreen shrub
- Stunning evergreen leaves
- White flowers blooming in spring
- Rounded growth habit
- Suitable for various landscape uses
Indian Hawthorn Clara thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA zones 7-10, it performs consistently in North Texas beds where evergreen structure is needed year-round.
Maintenance
Once established, Indian Hawthorn Clara is quite a resilient specimen, needing little care to thrive beautifully. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to encourage deep root development. Once established, ‘Clara’ is drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering every 10-14 days during prolonged heat or dry spells. Avoid constantly soggy soil, as this can invite root issues.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed. After the spring bloom, lightly trim to shape and remove any spent flower clusters or damaged leaves. Avoid heavy pruning late in the year, as this may reduce next spring’s blooms.
- Fertilizing: Feed once in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10). Over-fertilizing can push too much leafy growth at the expense of flowers, so keep it light and steady.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature. Keep mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent crown rot.
- Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart for solid hedge coverage, or 5 feet apart for individual accents. Proper airflow between plants helps reduce the chance of fungal disease and keeps foliage looking fresh and glossy.
Common Issues and How to Take Care of Them
While Indian Hawthorn Clara is hardy against most pests, some common issues can still appear when you least expect them. Keep your eye out for:
- Leaf spot fungus: The most frequent issue, appearing as small purple or brown spots on leaves. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected foliage. A fungicide application in early spring may help prevent recurrence.
- Root rot: Can occur in heavy, poorly drained soils. Always ensure good drainage and avoid excessive watering. Raised beds or slightly sloped areas work best.
- Powdery mildew: A light white coating may form during cool, damp weather. Increase sunlight exposure and airflow to control it naturally.
- Aphids or scale insects: Occasionally appear on tender growth. Wash them off with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap. Ladybugs and lacewings help manage them naturally.
- Leaf yellowing: Often a sign of overwatering, compacted soil, or nutrient imbalance. Check drainage and adjust watering frequency.
With regular watering, bright sunlight, and just a light trim after flowering, Indian Hawthorn ‘Clara’ stays healthy, full, and gracefully evergreen season after season.
It grows at a slow to moderate pace, forming a dense, rounded shape over time without becoming overgrown.
Typically, about one full growing season - after that, it becomes much more drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Yes, reliably each spring. With good conditions, you may even see a few scattered blooms again in fall.
Blooms stay vibrant for several weeks, fading gradually to soft ivory tones.
It’s optional - Clara doesn’t require it, but removing faded flowers can tidy up the plant and slightly encourage reblooming.
Ensure good sunlight exposure, avoid pruning before spring bloom, and use a balanced fertilizer rather than one high in nitrogen.
Absolutely. Its dense growth makes it easy to train into neat hedges or low formal shapes.
Yes - Clara pairs beautifully with loropetalum, dwarf yaupon holly, and flowering perennials like salvia or lantana.
Usually, high humidity or overhead watering. Water the soil level and maintain good airflow to prevent it.
With minimal care and good drainage, it often thrives for 15-20 years or more.
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Indian Hawthorn Clara This plant | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhaphiolepis indica 'Clara' | Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow White' |
| Size at Maturity | 4' H x 4' W | 3' H x 3' W |
| Leaf Retention | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flower Color | White | White |
| Bloom Times | Spring | Spring |
| Sizes Available | 3, 7 gal | 3, 5, 7 gal |
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