Grow Green Hawthorn: Nurturing the Crataegus Viridis
Fast Facts About Green Hawthorn:
- Name in botany: Crataegus viridis
- 20–30 feet (6–9 meters) tall
- Spread: 6–9 meters, 20–30 feet
- Shaded spot for native specimen trees; full sun spot for cultivar ‘Winter King’
- Requirements for soil: well-drained, dry to medium soils
- USDA Hardiness Zones 4–8
- Plant in the spring.
The native green hawthorn, also known as Crataegus viridis, is a slow-growing tree that is covered in tiny thorns and dark-green leaves. It is a well-liked option if you’re looking for landscaping shrubs that are defensive, and its growth pattern makes it ideal for hedges and screens.
Because of their bronze and fall foliage, these trees are regarded as ornamental. Peeling back, the silver-gray bark reveals orange bark within. The tree bears fragrant, showy white blooms. Large, brilliant red fruit, called haws, develop from the flowers and nestle on the bare branches throughout the winter.
How to Take Care of Green Hawthorn
Brightness Levels
The specimen plant, which is indigenous to North America, thrives in partial to full shade and prefers the shade. But the well-known hawthorn tree cultivar known as “Winter King” requires more sunlight and thrives in it. Growing in direct sunlight also reduces the risk of disease.
Fertilizer and Water
Although they require regular irrigation, green hawthorns are exceptionally resilient to drought as flowering trees. For the most part, this native tree shouldn’t require fertilizer to be maintained.
Climate and Humidity
USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8 include these trees as winter-hardy. Avoid high humidity as it can lead to illness.
Compost & Soil
Green hawthorns like slightly moist, well-draining soil. Thus, before planting, it is crucial to ensure that the soil drains well. Nevertheless, cultivar ‘Winter King’ tolerates a wide range of soil types, including dry and compacted soil.
How to Plant a Hawthorn Plant
Growing green hawthorn is not a difficult task. Plant it in full sun, well-drained soil that is dry to medium. If you are growing it in a container, dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball. Recall to thoroughly water your newly planted area. Should you need to move a hawthorn hedge, try to do so in the early spring, before the growing season begins.
Pruning Green Hawthorn
The native tree has an attractive naturally rounded shape and grows with multiple trunks. But as the branches grow, hawthorn trees in high-traffic areas should be pruned because they droop. By doing this, you can continue to resemble a vase or let cars and pedestrians pass. It is advisable to trim lower branches in specific locations because the tree has long, sharp thorns. Because ‘Winter King’ has fewer thorns, pruning is less required.
Issues, Insects, and Illnesses
The salty air is not good for green hawthorns. These trees, like other varieties of hawthorn, are susceptible to various pests. Aphids, leaf miners, caterpillars, and tree borer insects are a few examples of these. Though not as much as other hawthorn species, they are susceptible to cedar-hawthorn rust. Occasionally, issues include canker, apple scab, fungus-induced leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Reduce impacted areas as much as possible, and keep airflow optimal to reduce problems.
Top Green Hawthorn Types
When it comes to green hawthorn, Crataegus viridis ‘Winter King’ is the most widely available variety. Compared to the species plant, this wonderful ornamental specimen produces a large number of showier, larger spring flowers. Its fruits grow relatively large, and its thorns are smaller. ‘Winter King’ resists illness as well.
Commonly Asked Questions
What Color Does the Fall ‘Winter King’ Hawthorn Look Like?
In summer, “Winter King” green hawthorn boasts dark green leaves. In the fall, this foliage turns into a blaze of red, gold, and bronze tones.
‘Winter King’ Hawthorn Berries: Are They Edible?
‘Winter King’ hawthorn berries are safe to consume. From the haws, some people do make jellies. Still, the majority of experts say it’s probably best to leave them for wildlife to eat.
How Can I Grow Green Hawthorn?
Planting fruit seeds can result in green hawthorn trees, but the process is time-consuming. The tree is typically bought as a young plant from a specialty shop or garden center.
