About
This small, rounded tree features robust thorns and a thick canopy of glossy, dark green leaves that transform to shades of orange, yellow, and red as autumn sets in. In early summer, clusters of white flowers with pink anthers appear, giving way to vibrant red fruit that stands out in the landscape.
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
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
- 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 (except waterlogged) soils in full sun or partial shade
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed as soon as ripe or by grafting in winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to caterpillars, gall mites and aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, honey fungus and fireblight