Hawthorn (Crataegus florifera)
Care, watering, light and tips for Hawthorn on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Rosaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Hawthorn
Crataegus florifera, also known as woodland hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree or shrub prized for its abundant spring blossoms and red autumn fruits. Its white flowers, often tinged with pink, densely cover its thorny branches, creating a visual spectacle. It is ideal for defensive hedges, naturalistic gardens, or as a specimen plant in moderately sized spaces.
Care tips
It prefers full sun exposure for optimal flowering, although it tolerates partial shade. It is quite drought-tolerant once established, but appreciates regular watering during dry periods, especially when young. It adapts to a wide range of soils, as long as they have good drainage. A common mistake is planting it in waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Hawthorn
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, wilted leaves; dry branches or lack of flowers and fruit.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. Prune dead branches. Protect from extreme sun and strong winds.
- What kills it
- Constant waterlogging, leading to root rot, or prolonged drought.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the roots are not completely rotted and the main trunk is healthy.