Eleanor Tabor Indian Hawthorn
Rhaphiolepis × delacourii 'Eleanor Tabor'Eleanor Tabor Indian Hawthorn is a compact evergreen shrub known for its dense habit, glossy foliage, and abundant spring flowers. Rich green leaves provide attractive year-round color and create the perfect backdrop for clusters of fragrant, soft pink blooms that gradually fade to white. Following the floral display, small blue-black berries often develop, adding another season of ornamental interest while providing food for birds. Its refined appearance and dependable performance make it a favorite for residential landscapes.
This evergreen shrub typically reaches 2 to 3 feet tall with a spread of 3 to 4 feet, forming a naturally rounded shape that requires little maintenance. Its compact size makes it well-suited for foundation plantings, low hedges, borders, and mass plantings. It also performs beautifully in patio containers or as a specimen where its evergreen foliage and seasonal flowers can be appreciated throughout the year.
Eleanor Tabor Indian Hawthorn grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It adapts well to clay, loam, and sandy soils and becomes drought-tolerant after establishment. Water regularly during the first growing season to encourage a healthy root system, then reduce irrigation as the plant matures. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed, and lightly prune after flowering to maintain its dense, rounded form.
Care Instructions:
Planting: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
Soil: Adapts to Clay, Loam, and Sand soils with good drainage.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Hawthorne is drought-tolerant once established.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed.
Pruning: Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape.
Spacing: Plant 3′ – 4′ (ft) apart.
Maintenance: Avoid poorly drained soils.
Gardeners value Eleanor Tabor Indian Hawthorn for its evergreen foliage, fragrant spring blooms, and low-maintenance nature. Its compact habit, reliable flowering, and year-round appeal make it an excellent choice for borders, foundation plantings, and smaller landscapes. With attractive foliage in every season and colorful berries that follow the flowers, it delivers lasting ornamental value with minimal care.
