How to Transplant an Indian Hawthorn in California

Indian hawthorns produce colorful inflorescence in spring.

Indian hawthorn is a small, evergreen shrub that develops flowers on all parts of the plant in late winter or early spring, adding color and interest to home landscapes. Though the attractive shrub is originally native to China, it is a staple ornamental plant in home landscapes in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 through 11 and is readily available at nurseries. Indian hawthorn is a resilient shrub that requires little attention when properly planted. The compact size and general hardiness of the Indian hawthorn make it easy to transplant in California landscapes.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Compost
• Water hose
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Select a new growing location in full sun or partial shade in your landscape. Indian hawthorns are resilient plants that grow well in a wide range of conditions, but the plants produce more flowers when planted in full sunlight.

2. Prepare the new planting location by digging a hole 4 to 5 feet wide and 2 feet deep. Mix in compost with the parent soil to provide additional nutrients and improve soil drainage to help the plant adapt easily to its new growing location.

3. Water the roots and soil around the base of the Indian hawthorn you want to transplant. Thoroughly saturate the soil with a deep watering to soak the roots and loosen the soil around the plant.

4. Dig a circle around the plant using a shovel, then pry the plant out of the ground. Dig at least 18 inches away from the base of the Indian hawthorn to remove the plant with the roots intact. Do not remove any soil attached to the roots.

5. Transport the Indian hawthorn to the new planting location and plant to the original planting depth; it is important to plant the shrub to the same depth to prevent disease or fungal problems after transplanting.

6. Backfill the parent soil and compost mixture around the plant and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

7. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the Indian hawthorn to help conserve soil moisture and prevent competition from weeds.

Tips & Warnings

• Wrap the root ball of the shrub with a burlap sack to help prevent the roots from drying out if transplanting a long distance from the original planting site.

• Water the Indian hawthorn regularly after planting to facilitate healthy root growth.

References

• University of California Cooperative Extension: Indian Hawthorn
• Clemson Cooperative Extension: Indian Hawthorn
• Henderson State University: Indian Hawthorn