Overview
Crataegus ×haemacarpa Ashe (pro sp.) is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a hybrid of two species, Crataegus laevigata and Crataegus monogyna, and is commonly known as the red hawthorn.
Origin
The red hawthorn is believed to have originated in Europe, specifically in the regions of Great Britain and Ireland. It was first discovered in the 19th century as a natural hybrid of the Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata species.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as the red hawthorn due to the bright red color of its fruit. It is also known by other names such as the hybrid hawthorn and the Glastonbury thorn.
Uses
The red hawthorn is a popular garden plant and is often grown for its ornamental value. Its bright red berries provide a striking contrast against the green foliage, making it an attractive addition to any landscape. Additionally, the plant has several traditional medicinal uses, including treating cardiovascular disease and digestive issues.
General Appearance
The red hawthorn is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 meters tall. It has a bushy habit and an upright growth pattern. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a glossy green color with serrated edges. In the spring, the plant produces small white flowers that are arranged in clusters. These flowers are followed by bright red berries that ripen in the fall.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus ×haemacarpa Ashe (pro sp.) requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It is essential that the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its health and promote its growth. The exposure to sunlight is crucial for the development of the plant's leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adaptable to different temperature ranges, but it requires a moderate climate to grow optimally. The Crataegus ×haemacarpa Ashe (pro sp.) can tolerate cold temperatures of up to -40 °C or -40 °F in winter, but it thrives in a warm and temperate climate. The optimal temperature for growth is between 20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F, during the growing season.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus ×haemacarpa Ashe (pro sp.) prefers moist and well-drained soil conditions. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the plant prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil, with a pH range of 6.0 and 7.0. The ideal soil for growth should be rich in organic matter, and the plant requires regular watering to maintain its moisture levels.
Cultivation methods
Crataegus ×haemacarpa Ashe, commonly known as the Red hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 15 to 20 feet high with a spread of up to 15 feet. It prefers full sun exposure and well-draining soil. The plant can tolerate various soil types, but it grows best in slightly acidic soils with a pH level between 6.0 - 7.0.
Before planting, ensure the root ball is moist, and dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil while firming it around the plant's base. Then water it thoroughly to eliminate air gaps.
Watering needs
Crataegus ×haemacarpa Ashe requires regular watering to thrive, especially during the first growing season. Water young plants twice a week unless the soil is moist. After the first growing season, water them once a week. During periods of drought, increase watering to twice a week.
The soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be done at the base of the plant and not on leaves, flowers, or fruit to avoid foliar diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Red hawthorn promotes proper growth and good health. Before planting, add organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility. During the first growing season, feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month.
After that, apply fertilizer once a year before growth resumes during spring. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning
Pruning Crataegus ×haemacarpa Ashe is essential to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches and shape the shrub. The best time to prune is during winter or early spring when the plant is dormant.
Use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid tearing or damaging the plant. Cut branches at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from gathering on the cut surface. Regular pruning improves air circulation, prevents disease, and encourages new growth.
Propagation of Crataegus ×haemacarpa Ashe
Crataegus ×haemacarpa Ashe (pro sp.), commonly known as the Washington hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Rosaceae. This plant is propagated by various methods.
Seed Propagation
Washington hawthorn can be propagated from seeds. The seeds must be collected and planted during the fall after they ripen to ensure germination in the spring. The seeds must be scarified by nicking or rubbing it on sandpaper to increase the germination rate. The seeds must be planted in a well-draining potting mix with a ¼-inch layer of topsoil. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the pot in a location with bright but indirect light. Germination typically occurs within two to three months.
Cuttings Propagation
The Washington hawthorn can be propagated from hardwood cuttings taken in late fall or early winter. The cutting should be 6 to 8 inches long and fully matured. Dip it in rooting hormone powder and plant it in the rooting medium. The rooting medium can be made of sand, perlite, or vermiculite. Water the cutting thoroughly but do not allow the soil to become waterlogged. The cutting must be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light. The roots will emerge within a few weeks to a few months, depending on environmental factors.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is the preferred method for propagating the Washington hawthorn because it ensures the parent plant's characteristics. This method involves joining a cutting with a rootstock. Grafting is typically done during the dormant season, in late winter or early spring. The rootstock, either seedling-grown or selected from a cultivar, is grown in a nursery. The cutting, called the scion, is collected from the parent plant. The scion is then grafted onto the rootstock. The grafts must be sealed with wax to protect against water loss. The grafted plant must be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until new shoots emerge.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus ×haemacarpa Ashe (pro sp.)
Crataegus ×haemacarpa Ashe (pro sp.), also known as the Red Hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that is generally susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and the ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fire blight: This bacterial disease usually affects the flowers, twigs, and branches, causing them to wilt, turn black, and bend into a shepherd's crook shape. To manage fire blight, prune off the infected parts during the early stages of infection. Also, keep the plant well-watered and fertilized during the growing season and avoid overhead watering.
Cedar-Hawthorn Rust: This fungal disease initially appears on the cedar trees before spreading onto the Red Hawthorn leaves. It causes yellow spots on the leaves, and the spots develop into brown necrotic tissue. To manage cedar-hawthorn rust, get rid of the infected cedar trees around the area since the fungus needs cedar as a host to survive.
Leaf Blight: This is a fungal disease common to the Red Hawthorn tree. It causes spots on the leaves, which then turn brown and shed. To manage leaf blight, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them carefully. Also, spray the plant with a suitable fungicide.
Common Pests
Hawthorn Lace Bug: The hawthorn lace bug is a common pest that affects the Red Hawthorn. It causes the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage the hawthorn lace bug, spray the plant with a suitable pesticide regularly, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Scale Insects: These pests appear as small, round bumps on the Red Hawthorn branches and leaves. They cause the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. To manage scale insects, prune off the infected branches and dispose of them carefully.
Hawthorn Spider Mites: These pests can cause severe defoliation to the tree if left uncontrolled. They cause yellow, stippled leaves and fine webbing on the branches and leaves. To manage hawthorn spider mites, spray the plant with a suitable insecticide. Also, prune off any dead branches.
Proper disease and pest management for the Red Hawthorn is essential for maintaining the tree's health and beauty. By identifying the disease or pest early and adopting preventive measures, one can effectively manage and control the problem before it becomes severe.
