Snow Maiden Indian Hawthorn
Botanical Name: Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden'
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: East Asia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Overview
A compact, evergreen Indian hawthorn that thrives in Adelaide and across South Australia. ‘Snow Maiden’ forms a neat, mounding shrub smothered in pure white, lightly fragrant blooms from late winter into spring, followed by decorative berries. Tough, coastal-tolerant and low-maintenance, it’s ideal for small hedges, borders and pots.
Key Features
-
Mature Size: 0.8–1.2 m H × 1–1.5 m W (naturally compact, mounding)
-
Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
-
Foliage: Glossy deep-green leaves; new growth can flush bronze in cool weather; dense, tidy habit
-
Flowers: Masses of white, lightly fragrant clusters late winter–spring; occasional spot flowering in autumn
-
Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure with a standout spring flower show and blue-black berries into winter
-
Wildlife Value: Attracts bees and butterflies; berries provide seasonal food for birds
-
Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant, Coastal-Tolerant, Heat-Tolerant and Wind-Tolerant; Frost Hardy; tolerates light clay if drainage is good
-
Planting Density: Hedge: 0.4–0.6 m centres for a tight screen; Specimen: 0.8–1.0 m apart
-
Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic to pets
Where It Works Best
-
Sunlight: Full sun (best flowering) to part shade
-
Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or improved clay (avoid waterlogging)
-
Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
-
Maintenance: Light trim after main spring flush to keep compact; occasional tip-prune to thicken; mulch in spring; feed with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring
-
Lifespan: 20-30 years
-
Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
-
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral; tolerates mildly alkaline if drainage is good
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Low flowering hedge for driveways, paths or front boundaries—masses of white blossom for instant street appeal
- Coastal courtyard or poolside planting—handles salt and wind while staying neat and glossy
- Containers by entrances and outdoor living spaces; underplant with Lomandra or Ophiopogon for texture contrast
Why You Will Love It
‘Snow Maiden’ delivers months of pristine white blooms, glossy year-round foliage and almost no fuss—perfect for busy Adelaide gardens. Its compact size, toughness and gentle fragrance make it a standout choice for low-maintenance hedges, borders and pots.
