Origin
Crataegus rotundifolia Moench p.p. non Lamb. is a species of hawthorn plant that is native to Europe and Western Asia. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 4 meters in height.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the round-leaved hawthorn or the wineberry hawthorn due to the red wine-colored berries it produces in the autumn.
Uses
The plant has been used for various medicinal purposes, including as a heart tonic and to treat digestive problems. The berries are also used to make jams and jellies. In addition, the dense thorny branches make it an excellent plant for creating hedges or barriers.
General Appearance
The leaves of the Crataegus rotundifolia Moench p.p. non Lamb. are roughly rounded with finely serrated edges and can grow up to 3 cm in length. The flowers are white or pink and bloom in May and June, while the small, red berries appear in late summer or early autumn. The plant has a compact habit and produces dense, thorny branches that make it an excellent choice for creating hedges or barriers in gardens or on farms.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus rotundifolia Moench p.p. non Lamb. plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to poor growth and lack of flowering. If planting in an area with hot and dry summers, it's best to provide some protection from afternoon sun.
Temperature Requirements
C. rotundifolia is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C). However, it prefers moderate temperatures with an average temperature range of 60-70°F (15-21°C). In areas with hot summers, it's important to ensure the plant is well-watered and provided some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil Requirements
C. rotundifolia prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0-6.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it thrives in rich, moist soil that is high in organic matter. Add compost or organic matter to the soil when planting to help improve soil quality and drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus rotundifolia Moench p.p. non Lamb. is best grown in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated using seeds or cuttings. Sow the seeds in the spring, and make sure to cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the seeds regularly and keep them in a warm and bright location. Cuttings, on the other hand, may be taken during the summer or autumn. Use a sharp and sterilized cutting tool and choose a healthy stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a container with moistened soil. Keep the container in a shaded and warm area.
Watering Needs
Crataegus rotundifolia Moench p.p. non Lamb. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. Water the plant deeply at least once a week, and make sure that the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots. Avoid watering too much, as it may cause the soil to become waterlogged. Additionally, make sure that the soil doesn't dry out completely between watering sessions, as this may damage the plant's root system.
Fertilization
Crataegus rotundifolia Moench p.p. non Lamb. benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. Use a balanced and slow-release fertilizer during the spring and autumn months. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how much and how often to fertilize the plant. Avoid over-fertilization, as this may cause excessive foliage growth but little bloom development.
Pruning
Pruning Crataegus rotundifolia Moench p.p. non Lamb. is essential to maintain its shape, control its size and promote healthy growth and blooming. Prune the plant during the dormant season, before the new growth starts. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You may also remove any crossing branches to promote good air circulation. For best results, use sharp and sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
Propagation of Crataegus rotundifolia Moench p.p. non Lamb.
Propagation of Crataegus rotundifolia Moench p.p. non Lamb. can be done by different methods such as seed propagation, cutting propagation, and layering propagation. Each of these methods is described below:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and widely used method of propagating Crataegus rotundifolia Moench p.p. non Lamb. Seeds can be obtained from mature fruit or collected from the wild. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation involves taking a stem cutting from the parent plant and rooting it in a soil mix. The best time to take stem cuttings is in the early spring or late summer. The cutting should be approximately 6 inches long and have at least 2-3 sets of leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright but indirect light. Rooting should occur within 6-8 weeks.
Layering propagation
Layering propagation involves bending a low-growing stem of the parent plant down to the ground and covering a section of it with soil. The section of the stem that is buried in the soil will develop roots and can be separated from the parent plant once it has established itself. This method is best done in the early spring.
Disease Management
Crataegus rotundifolia Moench p.p. non Lamb. is susceptible to several plant diseases. Here are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Fungal diseases: Some of the common fungal diseases that affect the plant include fire blight, cedar-apple rust, and powdery mildew. To manage these diseases, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts, apply fungicides, and maintain proper plant hygiene.
- Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases like fire blight can also affect the plant. To manage these diseases, it is recommended to prune and destroy infected plant parts and apply copper-based bactericides.
- Viral diseases: Some of the common viral diseases that affect the plant include apple mosaic virus and pear blister canker. To manage these diseases, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plants and avoid planting new ones in the same area.
Pest Management
Crataegus rotundifolia Moench p.p. non Lamb. is also susceptible to several plant pests. Here are some of the common pests that might affect the plant:
- Aphids: Aphids are commonly found on the plant and suck the sap out of the leaves and stems. To manage aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, sap-feeding insects that produce honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and promotes fungal growth. To manage scale insects, it is recommended to prune and destroy infected plant parts and apply horticultural oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars like the eastern tent caterpillar can defoliate the plant. To manage caterpillars, it is recommended to prune and destroy infected plant parts and apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
By following the above disease and pest management practices, you can ensure that your Crataegus rotundifolia Moench p.p. non Lamb. remains healthy and productive.
