Rhaphiolepis 'Eleanor Tabor'™

Rhaphiolepis 'Eleanor Tabor'™

A Southern Lady in Bloom

At Wright’s Market, nestled in our 1938 cottage where every flower tells a story and the front porch is always open, we believe that some plants, like some people, carry themselves with quiet strength and timeless grace. Rhaphiolepis 'Eleanor Tabor'™, known lovingly as Indian Hawthorn, is just that—a graceful, reliable Southern lady who blooms with beauty and stands strong through the seasons.

A Glimpse into History:

Originally native to the warm coastal regions of southern China and Southeast Asia, Rhaphiolepis indica found its way into Southern gardens decades ago, where it’s been beloved ever since for its evergreen nature, pretty spring blooms, and low-maintenance charm.

The ‘Eleanor Tabor’™ cultivar was developed in Texas and named after Eleanor Tabor herself, a passionate plantswoman and horticulturist who championed tough yet beautiful plants for Southern landscapes. This particular variety was selected for its compact form, deep green foliage, rosy pink blooms, and resistance to leaf spot—a common concern in humid Southern climates.

Where It Grows Best:

This plant is perfectly at home in the South, thriving in USDA zones 7–10, and growing best in full sun to part shade. It prefers well-drained soil and is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for sunny beds, borders, foundation plantings, and even large containers.

Whether lining the front walk, tucked into a mixed shrub border, or flanking the cottage steps, ‘Eleanor Tabor’ keeps her composure and her color—no matter the weather.

What It Means:

With its soft pink flowers and evergreen leaves, ‘Eleanor Tabor’™ is a symbol of grace under pressure, feminine strength, and quiet resilience. Just like the generations of strong Southern women who built homes, gardens, and communities, this plant blooms faithfully, stands strong in summer sun, and keeps its beauty year-round.

It’s a plant that speaks to legacy, beauty, and reliability—values we hold dear here at Wright’s Market.

Blooming Season:

In early to mid-spring, ‘Eleanor Tabor’ bursts into bloom with clusters of rosy pink, star-shaped flowers that draw pollinators and admiring glances alike. As the blooms fade, new bronze-tinted growth emerges and matures into deep green, glossy leaves, giving the shrub evergreen appeal throughout the year.

Though its flower show is in spring, its polished foliage and tidy shape make it a garden star in all seasons.

Care Instructions:

This plant is about as low-maintenance as they come:

• Light: Full sun for best blooms and compact shape; part shade tolerated

• Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil

• Water: Water regularly until established; drought-tolerant thereafter

• Maintenance: Minimal—light pruning after flowering can help shape, but not required

• Pest & Disease Resistance: More resistant to leaf spot than other Indian Hawthorns, which is especially helpful in our Southern humidity

Complimentary Plant Material:

Pair ‘Eleanor Tabor’ with other Southern staples like Loropetalum ‘Cerise Charm’, Boxwoods, or Dwarf Yaupon Holly for structured, evergreen borders. For a cottage-garden style, combine it with Daylilies, Salvia, Coneflowers, or Lamb’s Ear to add softness and seasonal color.

It also looks beautiful planted near Hydrangeas, Gardenias, or Azaleas, creating a timeless Southern palette of blooms and fragrance.

Southern Charm that Lasts

Whether you're creating a foundation planting that says “welcome home,” building a pollinator-friendly border, or simply adding a dependable beauty to your garden, Rhaphiolepis 'Eleanor Tabor'™ is a plant you can count on—season after season, year after year.

She’s tough, beautiful, and always blooming with heart—just the kind of companion we love having here at Wright’s Market.