Origin of Crataegus holmesiana Ashe var. magniflora (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus holmesiana Ashe var. magniflora (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as Holmes' hawthorn, is a species of flowering plant in the Rosaceae family. It is a hybrid of the eastern hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli) and the southern hawthorn (Crataegus viridis).
Common Names of Crataegus holmesiana Ashe var. magniflora (Sarg.) Palmer
Some other common names of Crataegus holmesiana Ashe var. magniflora (Sarg.) Palmer are magniflora hawthorn, Holmes' hawthorn, and Holmes' thorn.
Uses of Crataegus holmesiana Ashe var. magniflora (Sarg.) Palmer
The plant is primarily used for ornamental purposes, especially as a hedge or accent plant in gardens or landscaping. However, several parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine for various ailments. The leaves and flowers have been used in herbal tea for promoting heart health, lowering blood pressure, and reducing anxiety. The fruit of the plant has been used for making jellies, jams, and syrups.
General Appearance of Crataegus holmesiana Ashe var. magniflora (Sarg.) Palmer
The plant grows up to 20 feet tall with a spreading, multi-stemmed habit and a rounded crown. The branches are armed with sharp thorns, and the leaves are glossy and dark green, turning yellow and orange in the fall. The white flowers bloom in the spring, and the fruit is a bright red, edible pome, which persists into the winter.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus holmesiana Ashe var. magniflora (Sarg.) Palmer plant requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as abundantly in lower light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to southeastern United States and can tolerate a range of temperatures typical to the region. It can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F (-28°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C). However, it prefers moderate temperatures around 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus holmesiana Ashe var. magniflora (Sarg.) Palmer plant prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a variety of soils, including sandy and loamy soils. However, it is not tolerant of waterlogged or compacted soils as this can lead to root rot and other problems. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, and the plant benefits from regular fertilization to ensure optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus holmesiana Ashe var. magniflora (Sarg.) Palmer commonly known as Holmes hawthorn is a deciduous tree that is native to North America. For optimal growth, it requires well-drained soils with adequate moisture retention. The plant is ideal for planting in USDA zones six to nine, and it thrives in full sun to a partial shade location. The planting hole should be dug twice as much as the root ball of the tree. Once planted, water the soil to remove any air pockets.
Watering Needs
Holmes hawthorn tree requires frequent watering, particularly after transplanting. The tree requires at least one inch of water weekly. You can use a rain gauge or a coffee can to measure the water amount. The tree should be watered to at least six inches deep. To reduce water loss from the soil surface, cover the area around the root with mulch.
Fertilization
Like most plants, Hawthorns trees require a well-balanced fertilizer for healthy growth. The ideal ratio is 10-10-10, and it should be applied in early spring before the flowers bloom. Apply the fertilizer around the tree's drip line and water thoroughly. In subsequent years, you can apply half the spring's fertilizer amount in the fall to help prepare the plant for winter.
Pruning
Pruning helps to shape the tree, removing the damaged or crossing branches, and promotes bearing flowers. The best time to prune a Holmes hawthorn tree is in late winter or early spring when the tree is still dormant. To avoid exposing the tree to winter damage, never prune in the late fall as it leads to the tree being too tender for winter weather. Always ensure that you use clean and sharp pruning equipment to prevent transmitting infections. Engage a certified arborist if necessary.
Propagation of Crataegus holmesiana Ashe var. magniflora (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus holmesiana Ashe var. magniflora (Sarg.) Palmer, commonly known as the Holmes hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to the southeastern part of the United States, particularly in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. The plant is an excellent ornamental tree, with its beautiful white flowers blooming in late spring and its red fruit in late summer to autumn. The plant can propagate through different methods including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through seeds
The most common way to propagate Crataegus holmesiana is through seeds. The seeds should be collected in the fall when the fruit is ripe and should be sowed immediately. The seeds need to be stratified by storing them in a moist and cool place for a month. After stratification, the seeds should be sowed in a well-draining potting mix equal to the depth of the seed. Watering is essential, and the pot should be kept moist until germination, which occurs in approximately 7-10 days. The seedlings can then be transplanted into individual pots, and care should be taken to ensure that they receive enough sunlight and water.
Propagation through cuttings
Propagation of Crataegus holmesiana can also be done through cuttings. This method is preferred during the summer when the new growth has hardened. The cutting should be taken from a healthy plant and be around 6-8 inches long. The leaves and buds on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, leaving just a few leaves on the upper half. The cutting should then be dipped in rooting hormone, and inserted into a well-draining potting mix. It is essential to keep humidity high and water the cuttings frequently. In approximately 2-3 months, the cuttings will develop roots and can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation through grafting
Propagation of Crataegus holmesiana can also be done through grafting. This method involves attaching a scion of the desired plant to the rootstock of a closely related species. The scion should be taken from a healthy plant. The rootstock should be cut at a 45-degree angle, and a corresponding angle should be made on the scion. The two pieces should then be joined together and secured with grafting tape. The plant should be kept in a greenhouse until graft union occurs, and the plant can be transplanted outside when it has developed sufficient roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus holmesiana Ashe var. magniflora (Sarg.) Palmer
Crataegus holmesiana Ashe var. magniflora (Sarg.) Palmer, also known as the Holmes Hawthorn, is a deciduous tree species that is native to the United States. Like all plants, it is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests that can negatively impact its health and growth. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect the Crataegus holmesiana and how to manage them:
Diseases:
Cedar Hawthorn Rust: This is a fungal disease that attacks the leaves of the Crataegus holmesiana and causes yellow or orange spots. The leaves may eventually drop off, weakening the tree. To manage Cedar Hawthorn Rust, you can try removing any infected leaves and applying a fungicide. It is also helpful to keep the area around the tree clean and free of debris, as the fungus can survive on fallen leaves.
Fire Blight: This bacterial disease can cause wilting, cankers, and blackened leaves on the Crataegus holmesiana. To manage Fire Blight, remove any infected branches as soon as possible, making sure to sterilize your pruning shears between cuts. You can also use a copper fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Pests:
Hawthorn Lace Bug: This small, flat bug causes yellowish-white speckling on the leaves and can weaken the tree with heavy infestations. To manage the Hawthorn Lace Bug, you can try spraying the tree with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings can also help control the population.
Hawthorn Leaf Beetle: This beetle feeds on the leaves of the Crataegus holmesiana and can cause defoliation. To manage the Hawthorn Leaf Beetle, you can handpick the beetles off the tree or use a pesticide specifically targeted towards leaf beetles.
Overall, maintaining the health of the Crataegus holmesiana Ashe var. magniflora (Sarg.) Palmer involves regularly monitoring the tree for signs of disease and pests, keeping the area around the tree clean, and taking prompt action to manage any issues that arise.
