Green hawthorn (or Crataegus viridis as it is also known) is a slow-growing native tree, dense with dark-green leaves and small thorns. It is a popular choice if you are interested in defensive shrubs for landscaping and its growth habit makes it perfect for hedges and screens.
These trees are considered ornamental because of the bronze and fall colors of the leaves. The bark is silver-gray and peels back to reveal orange bark inside. The tree produces showy, fragrant white blooms. The flowers evolve into large, bright red fruit (known as haws) that nestle on the bare branches all winter.
The specimen plant that is native to North America prefers shade and grows best in partial shade to full shade. However, the popular ‘Winter King’ hawthorn tree cultivar needs more sun and grows best in direct sunlight. If you grow in full sun, you also minimize the possibility of disease.
Green hawthorns are extremely drought-resistant flowering trees, but they prefer regular irrigation. Generally, you shouldn’t need to add fertilizer to maintain this native tree.
These trees are winter hardy in USDAhardiness zones 4 through 8. High humidity should be avoided, as it can cause disease.
Green hawthorns prefer well-draining soil that is moderately moist. So making sure soil drains well is essential before planting. That said, cultivar ‘Winter King’ adapts to a variety of soil conditions, including compacted and dry soil.
Green hawthorn is not a difficult tree to grow. If possible, plant it in dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sunshine. Dig out a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball if you are growing it as a container plant. Remember to water well after planting. If you need to transplant a hawthorn hedge then do so before the
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