Overview
Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke is a type of hawthorn plant that is native to North America. This plant belongs to the Rosaceae family and is also known by other common names such as giant thorn apple, Appalachian hawthorn, and fuller’s hawthorn. It is commonly found in the eastern part of North America and is typically grown as an ornamental plant due to its aesthetic value.
Appearance
The Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke plant usually grows to a height of about 10-20 feet and has a spread of around 15-20 feet. It has a dense and compact growth habit, with a rounded shape that gives it an overall attractive appearance. The leaves of the plant are about 2-4 inches long and are green in color. The flowers of the plant are white, have five petals, and are about 1 inch in diameter. They bloom in May and June. The fruit produced by the plant is a small, red, pome fruit that is about 1/2 inch in diameter.
Uses
The Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke plant has several uses. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful appearance, with some people using it as a hedge or as a garden focal point. Additionally, some people use the plant’s fruit for making jams, jellies, and sauces. The plant is also said to have some medicinal properties, with some traditional practitioners using it to treat conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and digestive problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke is a beautiful hawthorn plant that is native to North America. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its aesthetic value, with some people using it as a garden focal point. The plant’s fruit is also used for making jams and jellies, while traditional practitioners use the plant to treat certain medical conditions.
Light Requirements
Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke prefers full sun to partial shade to grow properly. Thus, planting it in areas where it can receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight every day is crucial for its optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species can adapt to a wide range of temperatures provided that they are within its hardiness zones. Generally, Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke can tolerate cold temperatures of up to -22° F (-30°C) and hot temperatures of up to 104°F (40°C). However, it is recommended to plant them where they can experience temperatures of 60°F- 75°F (16°C- 24°C) for their ideal growth.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke prefers well-draining soils that are fertile, acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It cannot thrive in clay soils or waterlogged soils, which impede adequate drainage. It is recommended to amend the soils using organic matter such as compost or aged manure to boost soil fertility and enhance porosity and drainage capacities.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke is a hardy tree that can grow in a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. It prefers well-draining soil and a sunny or partially shaded location. The plant can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or grafts. Ensure that the planting site is free from competing weeds and grasses.
Watering Needs
Water Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather. Deep watering once a week is preferable to frequent light watering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions, as this will prevent root rot. Watering should be reduced in the fall to encourage the plant to harden off before winter.
Fertilization
Apply organic compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the plant in early spring. This will provide a slow-release source of nutrients throughout the growing season. Fertilize additionally with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula, during the growing season. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning
Prune Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Thin out any congested or crossing branches that may prevent air circulation or light penetration. Trim the main leader to encourage lateral branching. Pruning should be done with clean and sharp pruning shears, and any cuts larger than 1 inch in diameter should be sealed with pruning paint.
Propagation of Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke
Propagation of Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke can be done through various methods that include:
1. Seed Propagation
This is the most common method of propagation for Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke. The seeds produced need to be stratified in a cool environment for three months before planting. They can then be planted in flats or pots with moist soil and kept in a warm, sunny location. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 months. Seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow to the desired size before being planted outdoors.
2. Cutting Propagation
Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke can be propagated through softwood or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken from the current season's growth in the late spring or early summer. Hardwood cuttings are taken in the dormant season when the plant is leafless. Cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long and have 2-3 leaf nodes. Cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then placed in a well-draining rooting medium under high humidity until roots have formed. This process usually takes 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, cuttings should be transplanted to individual pots and grown to the desired size before being planted outdoors.
3. Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another way to propagate Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke. The scionwood should be taken from a desirable tree and grafted onto a rootstock. Rootstocks can be grown from seed or purchased from a nursery. The graft union should be wrapped in grafting tape or wax and then kept in a warm, moist environment until the graft has taken. This process usually takes a few weeks. Once the graft has taken, it should be transplanted into individual pots and grown to the desired size before being planted outdoors.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke
Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke, commonly known as giant hawthorn, is a small tree or shrub with a dense crown, thorny branches, and white or pink flowers. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Cedar-Hawthorn Rust: Cedar-hawthorn rust is a fungal disease that affects both cedar and hawthorn trees. It causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves and twigs of the plant. The disease is spread by spores and can cause defoliation and stress to the plant. To manage cedar-hawthorn rust, removing all nearby cedar trees is recommended. Additionally, prune infected plant parts and remove them from the area, and treat the plant with fungicides during the growing season.
Fire Blight: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that affects many ornamental plants, including hawthorns. The disease causes wilting, blackened leaves and twigs, and cankers on the tree. To manage fire blight, promptly remove and dispose of any infected parts. Avoid pruning during periods of warm, wet weather, and sterilize pruning tools between cuts to minimize the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also help control the spread of fire blight.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause significant damage to hawthorn trees. They feed on the plant sap, causing wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing of leaves. In addition, aphids secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants and can lead to fungal growth. To manage aphids, insecticidal soaps or oils can be applied to the plant, and beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings can be introduced to control their populations.
Hawthorn Lace Bug: Hawthorn lace bugs are small insects that cause yellowing, stippling, and leaf drop on hawthorn trees. They feed on the underside of the leaves and leave behind a white lace-like pattern. To manage hawthorn lace bugs, insecticides can be applied to the plant during the growing season.
Overall, regular plant maintenance and inspection can help prevent and manage both disease and pest problems in Crataegus fulleriana Sarg. var. gigantea Kruschke. Proper watering, pruning, fertilization, and annual inspections can ensure the plant is healthy and able to resist pest and disease infestations.
