Contents
Description
Crataegus Laevigata Plena, also known as English hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and is widely grown for its beautiful double white flowers that bloom in the spring. The leaves are dark green and have a lobed shape, while the bark is grayish and smooth.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Crataegus |
Appearance
The English hawthorn can grow up to 6 meters in height and 4 meters in width. It has a dense, rounded shape and a moderate growth rate. The double white flowers have a diameter of 2-3 cm and are arranged in clusters. They have a sweet fragrance and attract bees and butterflies. The fruit of the shrub is a small red pome, which is not edible for humans but is a food source for birds.
Care Guide
The English hawthorn prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It is a hardy shrub that can tolerate a wide range of soil types and pH levels. Water it regularly during the first growing season, and then only during dry spells. Fertilize it once a year with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Prune it in the late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove dead or diseased branches. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The English hawthorn is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including aphids, scale insects, and fire blight. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap, while scale insects can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Fire blight is a bacterial disease that causes wilting and blackening of the leaves and stems. Infected branches should be pruned and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
The English hawthorn is native to Europe and Western Asia, where it grows in hedgerows, woodland edges, and scrubland. It has been widely cultivated in gardens and parks for its ornamental value.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the English hawthorn a good shrub for a small garden?
A: Yes, it has a moderate growth rate and can be pruned to maintain a smaller size.
Q: Can the fruit of the English hawthorn be eaten by humans?
A: No, it is not edible for humans but is a food source for birds.
Q: Does the English hawthorn have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat heart and digestive problems.
Q: How often should the English hawthorn be fertilized?
A: Once a year, in the spring.
Related Plants
- Crataegus Monogyna
- Crataegus Pinnatifida
- Crataegus Viridis
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing.
- Huxley, A., & Griffiths, M. (1992). The new Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. Macmillan Press.
- RHS. (n.d.). Crataegus laevigata ‘Plena’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/44662/Crataegus-laevigata-Plena/Details
