Hawthorn Tree Care and Growing Tips : thegardenerplanet.blogspot.com
- botanical name: Crataegus spp.
- Zones: 3–9.
- Attracts birds, butterflies, and bees.
- Light requirements: Full sun.
- Size: 20-45 feet tall
- Grown for seasonal interest.
- Autumn foliage colors range from burgundy to orange.
- Popular species include Washington (C. phaenopyrum), Crusader cockspur (C. crus-galli inermis), and black (C. douglassii), which produces delicious fruits.
How to Grow a Hawthorn Tree in Your Yard
Hawthorn trees bloom in the spring. Keeping the soil moist is typically enough to ensure that your hawthorn tree blooms—if the tree isn't getting enough water from natural sources, you may need to water it yourself.
Furthermore, hawthorns are sensitive to certain tree diseases, including fire blight and hawthorn rust. It's especially important to determine if the species you're considering planting is rust-resistant, as hawthorn rust cannot be undone once it has set in. Aphids, spider mites, and cankerworms are among the most common insect problems.
This is why dogwood trees are ideal for birds.
Hawthorn Tree Benefits
Many hawthorn tree species include thorns, which are beneficial for nesting or roosting birds looking for protection from predators. However, humans beware!