Overview

Crataegus flabellata is a spreading branched trees in the genus Crataegus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Crataegus flabellata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.

About

Crataegus flabellata is a species of hawthorn known by the common name fanleaf hawthorn. It is native to the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. It is intermediate in appearance between C. macrosperma and C. chrysocarpa. C. macrosperma, which occurs throughout the range of C. flabellata and also in the southeastern U.S., is often misidentified as C. flabellata. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for coastal, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Crataegus flabellata

About the genus

Crataegus, commonly called hawthorn, quickthorn, thornapple, May-tree, whitethorn, Mayflower or hawberry, is a genus of several hundred species of shrubs and trees in the family Rosaceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America. The name "hawthorn" was originally applied to the species native to northern Europe, especially the common hawthorn C. monogyna, and the unmodified name is often so used in Britain and Ireland.

Wikipedia contributors, "Crataegus", CC BY-SA 4.0Crataegus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Crataegus

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Crataegus flabellata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Trees, Shrubs
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Crataegus flabellata

Propagation
Propagate by seed or by grafting. Seeds require stratification and may take up to 18 months to germinate
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to caterpillars, aphids and hawthorn button top midge
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to fireblight, honey fungus, crown gall, silver leaf, powdery mildews and rust diseases

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Crataegus flabellata?

Crataegus flabellata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Crataegus flabellata need?

Crataegus flabellata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

Is Crataegus flabellata hardy in the UK?

Crataegus flabellata has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Crataegus flabellata?

Propagate by seed or by grafting. Seeds require stratification and may take up to 18 months to germinate.