How to Prune Indian Hawthorn in California

A broadleaf evergreen shrub appropriate to grow anywhere in California where winter low temperatures don't fall below 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) make good low hedges and building foundation plants. From late fall to spring, the branches bear tiny pale pink to white blossoms that later become blue-black berries that remain decorative for months. Indian hawthorn tolerates pruning well to be maintained at a height of 2 to 3 feet, although naturally maturing at 4 to 6 feet tall. According to "Sunset Western Garden Book," grow these shrubs in California with Sunset Climate Zone designations 4 through 10, and 12 through 24.

Hand pruners (secateurs)
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Trim off branch tips with hand pruners or pruning shears in late winter to early spring after the primary flush of flowering ends. Removing the shrub's twig tips helps keep the shrub lower and more compact in habit. Make the pruning cuts 1/4- to 1/2-inch above a lower branch junction or tuft of leathery leaves. Try to avoid cutting the leaves, since the tears remain and make the shrub look gnawed or poorly pruned.
- 2
  Remove any dead or broken branches and twigs at any time of year. Make the isolated pruning cut with a hand pruners 1/2-inch above a lower healthy branch junction, dormant bud or tuft of leaves. Do not paint or spray a sealant on pruning wounds; let the plant bleed some sap and callus the wound naturally.
- 3
  Trim the Indian hawthorn shrub again in mid- to later summer, if needed, to maintain the height and shape of the shrub. After the branch tip trimming in early spring, numerous side shoots grow. These new branches have matured by midsummer, and pruning them back won't result in as much regrowth leading into the California winter. Some plants may grow nicely after pruning in early spring and not need a follow-up trimming in summer.

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