Crataegus
Hawthorn, Thorn, Thorn apple, Mayhaw
- Height × spread
- 2m – 8m × 1.5m – 6m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Much loved native shrub or small tree, a traditional sight across the countryside and hedgerows. Brilliant for wildlife and multi-season interest in the garden, great for hedging. In spring, it's covered in masses of white or pink blooms, attracting pollinators. Followed in autumn by small red or yellow berries. Popular with birds as a staple source of food and shelter. Grows 6-8m tall.
- Flower colour
- Pink, Red, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Gold, Orange, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Dome, Oval, Round
- Height
- 2m – 8m
- Spread
- 1.5m – 6m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Hedge, Structural, Architectural, Deer resistant, Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction, Bird attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, some stems are prickly/thorny
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
More Crataegus
Crataegus chrysocarpa
Fireberry hawthorn, Hawthorn, Thorn, Thorn apple, Mayhaw
Crataegus laevigata
Midland hawthorn, Quick set thorn, White thorn, English hawthorn, May, Two styled hawthorn
Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'
Double crimson thorn, Red may, Quick set thorn, White thorn, English hawthorn, May
Crataegus laevigata 'Pink Corkscrew'
Pink Midland hawthorn, Quick set thorn, White thorn, English hawthorn, May
Crataegus laevigata 'Punicea'
Midland thorn, Quick set thorn, English hawthorn
Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno'
Double pink thorn, Quick set thorn, White thorn, English hawthorn, May
Crataegus monogyna
May, English hawthorn, Quick, Bread and cheese, One seeded hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna 'Aurea'
Yellow may, Hawthorn, English hawthorn, One seeded hawthorn