Origin:
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the Chinese Hawthorn, is a species of the Rosaceae family. This plant originated in China and is widely distributed across the country, growing in many regions, including Shaanxi, Henan, and Sichuan provinces.
Common Names:
The Chinese Hawthorn is also commonly known as Chuan Shan Zha, Shan Zha, San Cha, and Chinese Redberry.
Uses:
The fruits of the Chinese Hawthorn have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are believed to have many health benefits. The fruit is a rich source of flavonoids, phenolics, and triterpenic acids, which are antioxidants that help to protect the body from free radicals.
Chinese Hawthorn is also used in Western herbal medicine to support cardiovascular health. The plant's leaves, flowers, and berries are used to make herbal teas, tinctures, and supplements.
Appearance:
The Chinese Hawthorn is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 8 meters tall. The plant has thorny branches and leaves that are double-toothed and oval-shaped. The flowers are white or pink and bloom in May or June. The fruit of the plant is a small, red berry that is about 1.5 centimeters in diameter. The fruit is sweet and slightly tart when ripe and is commonly used in jams, jellies, and candies.
Light Requirements
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke typically requires full sunlight or partial shade to thrive. The plant can tolerate some shade, but prolonged periods of low light can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant typically grows well in temperate climates with an average temperature range of 10°C to 25°C. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 16°C and 21°C. The plant can tolerate cold temperatures in winter, but it does not grow well in extremely high temperatures in summer.
Soil Requirements
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0-7.2. The plant can also tolerate slightly alkaline soils. The ideal soil type for the plant is a sandy loam with good organic matter content. The plant can also tolerate clay soils, but it requires good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Cultivation methods
The Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke plant thrives well in full sunlight and well-draining soils. It is essential to plant the shrub in well-drained soils to avoid waterlogging, as it may lead to root rot.
The plant species is frost hardy and thus can withstand cold temperatures. However, it is advisable to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures by mulching around the base of the plant in colder climates.
The ideal time for planting the Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke shrub is during the fall at least a month before winter sets in.
Watering needs
The Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke shrub requires moderate watering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
During the hot seasons, it's essential to check on the moisture levels regularly and water accordingly to keep the plant from drying up. When watering, it is advisable to water sparingly and avoid watering the leaves as this might cause mildew and fungal infections.
Fertilization
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke thrives well in slightly acidic soils. Fertilizing the plant helps to maintain the soil pH, providing the necessary nutrients to the plant.
Before planting, it is essential to prepare the soil with compost and other organic materials. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to boost growth, and foliar feed roses every two weeks during active growth and flowering periods.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and improve air circulation in the plant, improving the general health of the Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke shrub. The shrub should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
The first few years after planting, prune the plant's weak and damaged branches, retaining a few strong stems to promote growth. Pruning should be done using clean and sterilized garden tools to avoid the spread of diseases.
When pruning, it's essential to remove about a third of the old wood every year to encourage new growth and improve the plant's overall appearance.
Propagation of Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the Chinese hawthorn, is propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, layering, and grafting. The choice of propagation method depends on the grower's preference and desired results.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most commonly used method for Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke. However, seeds require special treatment before they can germinate. Growers should remove the fleshy outer layer of the fruit and clean the seeds thoroughly. After that, the seeds should be stratified for three months at a temperature of 2-4°C before planting. Once the seeds have stratified, plant them in well-drained soil and keep them consistently moist until they germinate.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings requires the grower to collect semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be approximately 6-8 inches long. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the pot in an area with bright, indirect sunlight. After the cuttings have rooted, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by layering
Propagation by layering is a simple and easy method for Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke. The grower should choose a healthy branch that is low to the ground and bend it downward. Make a small cut on the underside of the branch, apply rooting hormone, and cover the wound with soil. The branch should be secured to the ground using a U-shaped stake. After a few months, new roots will have formed, and the grower can cut the branch from the parent plant and transplant it to its new location.
Propagation by grafting
Propagation by grafting is commonly used for Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke when growers want to maintain a specific cultivar's characteristics. A healthy, disease-free rootstock should be chosen and grafted with a scion from the desired cultivar. After grafting, the plants should be kept in a warm, humid environment until graft union has occurred, and new growth has begun. Once the graft has taken, the grower can transplant the plant into its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management of Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus scabrida Sarg. var. cyclophylla (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as the roughleaf hawthorn, is a lovely deciduous shrub that is native to North America. Due to its dense growth, it is an ideal plant for hedges, screens, or barrier plantings. While roughleaf hawthorn is generally considered a low maintenance plant, it is still prone to certain diseases and pests that can damage the plant and reduce its beauty.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that attack the roughleaf hawthorn is the rust disease. This is easily identifiable by the small orange or yellow spots that form on the upper surface of the leaves. In severe cases, leaves can turn yellow and drop prematurely, which can lead to defoliation of the plant. You can manage rust disease by ensuring that the bushes have adequate air circulation and avoiding excessive moisture. Additionally, you can use registered fungicides to help control the disease.
Another common disease is fire blight, which mainly affects the young shoots and flower clusters. You will notice that the twigs die back and turn black, with the branches appearing to have been scorched by fire. To manage this disease, it is important to prune out the affected twigs and disinfect your pruning shears after each cut. You may also consider using copper fungicides on your plants, which can help reduce bacterial populations and the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
The most common pests affecting roughleaf hawthorn are aphids and spider mites. These tiny insects cause damage to the leaves by sucking the sap out of them, leading to shriveled, yellow leaves, and stunted growth. To manage these pests, you can wash the leaves with water to remove the insects physically. You may also apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to the affected bushes.
Another common pest is the hawthorn lace bug, which feeds on the underside of the leaves, leading to pale spots and eventually defoliation. Managing this pest involves proper sanitation practices such as removing infested leaves and avoiding overcrowding of plants. You may also use registered insecticides as a last resort.
Overall, managing diseases and pests affecting the roughleaf hawthorn is vital to maintaining the beauty and health of the plant. While chemical control may be necessary in some situations, it is important to exhaust all other control measures first. Always read and follow the label instructions carefully when using pesticides.
