Overview:
Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. (pro sp.) is a hybrid species of the hawthorn family, which is native to the eastern United States. The plant is commonly known as the red hawthorn or the English hawthorn. This species is widely cultivated in North America, Europe, and Asia as an ornamental plant, frequently used in landscaping or gardens.
Description:
Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. (pro sp.) is a deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) in height. The tree has a dense, roundish crown and a thorny trunk that can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The bark is gray-brown and rough, and the foliage is dark green, glossy, and deeply lobed. In spring, the tree produces numerous clusters of white or pink flowers that are fragrant and attractive to bees. The flowers give way to small, red or orange berries, which persist through winter.
Uses:
The red hawthorn has many uses. The berries of the plant are frequently used to make jams, jellies, and other culinary preparations. They are also used to produce herbal teas or supplements, which are believed to have a wide range of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and improving heart health. Additionally, the plant is extensively used in traditional medicine to treat digestive problems, anxiety, and insomnia. In addition, many gardeners and landscapers cultivate Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. (pro sp.) for its attractive appearance, being used as a hedge, or as an accent in landscaping.
Light Requirements:
Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. (pro sp) requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day for proper growth and development. It is recommended to place the plant in an area that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day to ensure healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements:
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. (pro sp) is between 15°C to 25°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C during the winter months but the growth will be slower compared to the warmer months.
Soil Requirements:
Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. (pro sp) prefers well-drained soil that is moderately fertile with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged to prevent root rot and other fungal diseases that can harm the plant's growth.
The plant also needs a steady supply of water to ensure proper growth, especially during the hot summer months. It is recommended to water the plant regularly but avoid overwatering, as excess water can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg.
Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. can be grown from seeds or cuttings. If you opt to grow from seeds, it's advisable to sow them in the fall to allow for natural stratification. You can also propagate the plant through softwood cuttings taken in early summer. Once the seedlings or cuttings have developed roots, you can transfer them to containers or directly plant them in the ground.
Watering Needs for Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg.
Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. plants require moderate watering. This means watering the plant deeply once a week. During dry spells, it's essential to water them more frequently.
Fertilization for Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg.
Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. plants require regular fertilization for healthy growth. You can fertilize your plants once or twice a year using a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant.
Pruning for Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg.
Pruning helps to keep Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. plants healthy and attractive. You should start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Then, you can trim the plant to control its size and shape. This is best done in the late winter or early spring before the plant starts to grow. You should also prune your plant to improve airflow and light penetration, which helps to prevent diseases.
Propagation of Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg.
Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, hardwood cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. can be collected from mature fruits during the fall season. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a dry place until the spring when they can be sown. The seeds must go through a stratification process to break dormancy. This can be achieved by placing the seeds in moist sand and keeping them in a cold environment for several weeks. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until they germinate.
Hardwood Cuttings
Hardwood cuttings taken from the mother plant during the dormant season can also be used to propagate Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. The cuttings should be approximately six inches long and taken from the current year's growth. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the base in a rooting hormone. The cuttings can be planted in a potting mixture of sand and peat moss and kept in a warm, humid environment. The cuttings should root within a few months and can be transplanted to a larger pot or planted in the ground.
Grafting
Grafting is another common method used to propagate Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. The scion of the plant is taken from a selected cultivar and grafted onto a rootstock of a closely related species. The graft union must be wrapped with grafting tape to hold the scion in place until the union has formed. The newly grafted plant should be kept in a humid environment until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg.
Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. is a hybrid between two hawthorn species, C. laevigata and C. pinnatifida. As with most plants, there are several diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. is susceptible to, as well as ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spot: This is a common disease that affects the leaves of the Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. plant. It is caused by various fungal pathogens, which result in circular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, make sure to remove and destroy any infected leaves and avoid overhead watering, instead, irrigate the plant from below.
Cedar Apple Rust: This is a disease that is caused by the fungus, Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae. It affects the leaves and fruit of the Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. plant, causing bright orange spots on the leaves or yellowish-brown spots on fruits. To manage this disease, remove any infected plant material and use fungicidal sprays to prevent further infection.
Common Pests
Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. plant, causing leaves to curl and become distorted and reducing the plant's vigor. To manage this pest, you can use natural predators such as ladybugs, or if they persist, use systemic insecticides.
Mites: These pests are usually found on the underside of the leaves and feed on plant sap, causing leaves to become yellow and mottled. To manage this pest, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, making sure to cover the underside of the leaves where the mites are often found.
Scale Insects: These insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing of leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. They can also secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and can lead to the growth of sooty mold. To manage this pest, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
By keeping a close eye on your Crataegus ×rubrocarnea Sarg. plant and regularly inspecting it for signs of disease or pest infestation, you can catch problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious. Remember to use proper sanitation practices, such as pruning away any dead or diseased branches, and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of diseases.
