Evergreen Shrub – Ballerina Indian Hawthorn

Ballerina Indian hawthorn 

Botanical name: rhaphiolepis indica ‘ballerina’

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 2-3 ft in height with a spread of 3-4 ft 

Hardy zone: zones 8-10 

Foliage color: green, red 

Flower color: pink 

Bloom time: winter, spring, fall 

Growth rate: grows about 6 inches per year 

Pruning instructions: lightly trim after spring blooming season 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the summer months 

Landscape use: low hedge, foundation planting, borders 

Special features: long-lasting blooms, re-bloomer, heat tolerant, produces non-edible ornamental berries 

Light needs: 3-6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2-4 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring before new growth begins to emerge 

Best time to plant: spring or fall

Best type of soil: adapts to most kinds of soil 

Companion plants: coneflower, junipers, sedums, crape myrtles 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no