How to Trim Indian Hawthorn

A mounding evergreen shrub used as a low-growing hedge or foundation plant, Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) naturally matures to 4 to 5 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide. Many cultivars are slightly smaller growing and rarely need any pruning. These shrubs are easily maintained through annual trimming so they stay about 3 feet tall. Dead and broken branches may be pruned and removed any time of year. Trimming to shape Indian hawthorns is best done in spring, immediately after the flowering display ends.

Hand or bypass pruners
Loppers
Power hedge shears

Instructions

- 1
  Scan over the Indian hawthorn shrub looking for any broken or dead branches. Remove these first by making a cut 1/4 inch above a lower living branch junction, leaf or dormant bud. Dead branches greater than 3/4 inch in diameter are more easily and safely cut with loppers.
- 2
  Trim back any errant branches that protrude out from the general rounded silhouette of the shrub. Make cuts with the hand pruners 1/4 inch above a lower branch junction or cluster of leaves.
- 3
  Clip branch tips across the shrub to even out the mounded shape. This includes removing old flower stems that slightly will decrease the number of black berries that mature later in summer. Instead of tip pruning each branch, accomplish this by using a power hedge shears.
- 4
  Pick up and discard any pruning debris that falls onto lower branches. Debris may be composted or allowed to naturally decompose on the ground to provide nutrients to the plant roots. Any diseased tissues should be discarded in the trash and not left in the garden.

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