A Warm-Climate Staple
As many gardeners know, hot weather can take its toll on a garden, but with our La Vida™ series of disease-resistant Indian hawthorns, you can design an outdoor space that is up to the task.
This week, I am excited to discuss one of these warm-climate staples: La Vida Grande® Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica). A plant built to beat the heat, this variety offers excellent tolerance to both heat and drought, so you can enjoy an abundance of showy pink blooms and healthy evergreen foliage all season long.
La Vida Grande Indian hawthorn grows to a height and width of 4-6′. It’s a lovely landscape plant, offering rich color with pink spring flowers and dusky peach new growth. These hues pair beautifully with its glossy, lush foliage, which—best of all—remains spot-free throughout the year.
Suited to USDA zones 8-10, La Vida Grande Indian hawthorn thrives in full sun. It can grow in part shade as well, but its bloom will be more subdued. For best results, plant in acidic, well-draining soil. Pruning is not needed, but you can trim it after it flowers in spring if you like.
Flowers for the Heat
Summer temperatures can be harsh on your plants, but that doesn’t mean your garden has to be full of wilting blooms. Instead, spend some time looking through Kristina’s blog post, “14 Flowers for the Heat.” She has put together a fantastic list of some of our favorite heat-tolerant varieties that can keep your garden looking fresh and colorful even in the hottest weather.