Overview of Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg.
Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg. (pro sp.), also known as Inca hawthorn or Inca may, is a small ornamental tree that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is a hybrid species, resulting from the crossing of Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata. This plant is noted for its attractive flowers, berries, and foliage, which make it a popular choice in gardens and landscapes.
General Appearance of Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg.
Inca hawthorn is a deciduous tree that grows up to 8-10 feet tall and wide. It has a rounded, compact shape and a dense branching habit. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped, with serrated edges. The flowers appear in clusters in late spring, and they are white with pink to red shades. The fruit is a small, round, red or orange berry that ripens in late summer and persists on the tree until winter.
Origin and Distribution of Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg.
Inca hawthorn is a hybrid plant that was developed in the United States in the early 1900s. It was created by the American botanist Charles Sprague Sargent, who was the director of the Arnold Arboretum in Boston. The exact parentage of the plant is not known. However, it is believed to be a cross between Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata, which are native to Europe and western Asia. Inca hawthorn is widely cultivated in many regions of the world, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Uses of Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg.
Inca hawthorn is primarily used as an ornamental tree in gardens and landscapes. It is valued for its attractive flowers, berries, and foliage, as well as its compact size and low maintenance requirements. Inca hawthorn can be grown as a specimen tree, a hedge, or a container plant. The fruit of Inca hawthorn is edible but not commonly consumed. The plant has also been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat heart conditions, digestive problems, and skin disorders. However, more scientific research is needed to confirm these uses.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus xincaedua Sarg. plant requires full sunlight to grow properly. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, which should preferably be in the morning or afternoon when the sun is not too intense. Avoid placing the plant in full shade or near tall trees or buildings that can block sunlight.
Soil Requirements
This plant can grow in various types of soil, but it prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be fertile and slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Ensure that the soil is not waterlogged because this can cause root rot. If the soil is heavy and clayey, you can amend it with organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve drainage.
Water Requirements
The Crataegus xincaedua Sarg. plant requires regular watering, especially during the first year of growth when it is establishing its roots. Water the plant deeply once a week or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid over-watering, which can cause water-logging and root rot.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from cold winters to hot summers. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, where the temperatures can range from -30°F to 20°F in winter and from 60°F to 100°F in summer. The plant can grow in areas with high humidity or dry heat, but it prefers a moderate climate.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg.
Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg. can be planted in a variety of soil types, but it thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade.
The plant requires consistent moisture during the growing season, but make sure that the soil is never waterlogged. It is also important to avoid planting in areas that are prone to flooding, as this can damage the root system.
Watering Needs of Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg.
Watering requirements for Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg. will vary depending on your soil type and weather conditions. As a general rule, water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Adjust the frequency of watering based on the moisture content of your soil.
In areas with hot, dry summers, you may need to increase the frequency of watering. On the other hand, during periods of heavy rain, you may need to adjust your watering schedule to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization Requirements for Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg.
Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg. can benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in early spring before new growth appears. You can also apply a second application in midsummer if desired.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations when applying fertilizer.
Pruning Techniques for Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg.
Pruning is an essential part of caring for Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg. to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches.
You can also prune to control the size and shape of the plant. To do so, remove up to one-third of the plant's growth each year. Avoid pruning during the rest of the year, as this can interfere with flower production.
Propagation of Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg.
Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg. (pro sp.) can be propagated through various methods.
Seed propagation
The plant can be propagated by sowing seeds. The seeds can be collected from fully ripened berries, which are generally available during the fall season. The collected seeds should be properly cleaned by removing all the fleshy pulp and then stored in a cool and dry place. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mixture and kept in a warm and moist environment. The germination of the seeds generally takes around 2-3 months.
Cuttings propagation
Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg. can also be propagated through hardwood cuttings. It is preferable to take the cuttings during the winter season when the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be taken from the previous year's growth and should be around 8-10 inches long. The lower ends should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-drained soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and moist environment until the roots develop, which generally takes around 4-6 weeks.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is also a popular method for propagation of Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg. The rootstock to be used should be from a known variety and should be around 1-year-old. The scion should also be from a known variety and should be around 8-10 inches long and should have a diameter of around 1/4 inch. The scion should be grafted onto the rootstock using whip grafting or cleft grafting techniques. The grafted plant should be kept in a cool and moist environment until the graft union is healed, which generally takes around 4-6 weeks.
Propagation of Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg. can be done through any of the above-mentioned methods. However, it is important to maintain proper hygiene and take necessary precautions to ensure the success of the propagation.
Disease Management
Crataegus ×incaedua Sarg., commonly known as the Washington hawthorn, is susceptible to several diseases that are common to the hawthorn family. The following are some of the common diseases that affect the plant:
- Fungal Leaf Spots: Caused by fungi such as Diplocarpon mespili and Entomosporium maculatum, these spots appear on the leaves as round or irregularly shaped lesions that are brown, purple, or black in color. To manage these fungi, it's crucial to remove the infected leaves and prune the branches in winter to ensure adequate air circulation. Fungicides can also be used before the appearance of the symptoms.
- Fire Blight: This bacterial disease causes the leaves and branches to wilt and turn black. To manage fire blight, it's essential to prune the affected branches and destroy them away from the plant. Also, use adequate fertilization and irrigation to promote growth.
- Cedar-Apple Rust: This disease causes yellow spots on leaves and discoloration of the fruit. It is caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae, which depends on a two-year life cycle involving host plants. Cedar-Apple Rust can be managed by growing resistant varieties and removing the alternate host plants, such as the Eastern red cedar.
Pest Management
Washington hawthorns are affected by several pests. The most common pests that affect the plant include:
- Lacebugs: These insects suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to develop a white or yellow speckled appearance. To manage lacebugs, monitor them during late summer and use insecticides to control infestations.
- Hawthorn Psyllid: These insects cause the leaves to curl and become distorted. To manage hawthorn psyllid, pruning is necessary to improve air circulation around the plant, which helps to prevent the infestation. Also, use insecticides and promote overall plant health.
- Mites: They cause leaf yellowing, curling, and sometimes webbing. Use insecticidal soap and sulfur sprays to control infestation by mites.
