About
Crataegus monogyna 'Compacta' is a compact variety of hawthorn, typically growing to about 2.5 meters in height and notable for its thornless nature. This deciduous shrub features an upright growth pattern with glossy, dark green foliage. In spring, it showcases fragrant, creamy white blossoms, followed by dark red berries that persist into autumn and winter. It serves well for creating dense hedges and is suitable for smaller garden spaces.
About the genus
Crataegus comprises deciduous trees and shrubs characterized by spiny branches and leaves that may be lobed or serrated. These plants produce clusters of creamy-white blossoms, which give way to red or black fruits. Certain species display notable color changes in autumn.
Growing conditions
- 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
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruit, usually grown as an ornamental shrub Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in any (not waterlogged) soil in full sun or part shade. Useful specimen trees for town, coastal or exposed gardens. See hawthorn cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by grafting in winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to caterpillars, aphids and gall mites
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fireblight, honey fungus, crown gall, silver leaf, Powdery mildews and leaf spots