Overview
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. rutila (Sarg.) Kruschke is a deciduous shrub in the Rosaceae family. It is commonly known as the desert thorn or red hawthorn and is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Appearance
The desert thorn typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 feet with a similar spread. Its leaves are lobed and toothed, and its flowers are white and showy, blooming in spring. The plant produces fruits that resemble small apples, which turn from green to bright red when mature.
Uses
The desert thorn has several uses, including as a hedge or ornamental plant in gardens and as a habitat for birds and small wildlife. Its fruits are also edible and can be used to make jams and jellies. Medicinally, the plant has been used to treat various ailments, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and digestive issues.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. rutila (Sarg.) Kruschke plant is known to thrive in full sun to partial shade. In general, the plant requires at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day to grow well. In partial shade, the plant will still grow but it may produce fewer flowers and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. rutila (Sarg.) Kruschke plant is known to be hardy in USDA Zones 4-8. The plant prefers cooler temperatures, and can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C). During the growing season, the ideal temperatures for the plant are around 60-80°F (15-27°C), with nighttime temperatures being slightly cooler than daytime temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. rutila (Sarg.) Kruschke plant grows best in well-drained, fertile soil. The soil should have a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including loam, sandy loam, and clay loam. It is important to ensure adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging or standing water which could stunt growth or cause root rot. Adding organic matter, such as compost, to the soil can improve its fertility and drainage capacity.
Cultivation methods
C. succulenta var. rutila is a hardy shrub that prefers well-drained soil. The plant thrives in full sun and tolerates partial shade. It has a high tolerance for drought and frost, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. The best time to plant this shrub is in early spring or fall when the soil is warm. It is advisable to space the plants 4 to 6 feet apart to allow for growth and air circulation.
Watering needs
C. succulenta var. rutila has a high tolerance for drought, but it requires regular watering during its first growing season to establish its root system. Once established, the plant can tolerate dry spells and periodic watering. It is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
C. succulenta var. rutila is a low-maintenance plant that does not require regular fertilization. However, it can benefit from an annual application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall as this can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before the onset of winter.
Pruning
C. succulenta var. rutila requires minimal pruning, but it can benefit from light pruning in late winter or early spring. This helps to maintain its shape and promote new growth. Avoid heavy pruning as this can weaken the plant and reduce flowering. Dead or damaged branches can be removed at any time of the year.
Propagation of Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. rutila (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. rutila (Sarg.) Kruschke is commonly propagated through cuttings and seeds.
Propagation through Cuttings
Take cuttings from healthy, disease-free and pest-free parent trees in the dormant season, i.e., in early spring before bud break or in late fall after leaf drop. The cuttings should be 20-25 cm long with a diameter of pencil thickness. Cuttings with 2-3 nodes are preferred. Remove any flowers or buds, and dip the cut ends of the cuttings in a rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining medium, like sand-peat mixture or perlite-vermiculite mixture, and water. Cover the planted cuttings with plastic bags or mist propagation system. Keep the soil moist and humid but not wet, and place the cuttings in a shaded area. Rooting should take place in 2-3 months, and after that, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field.
Propagation through Seeds
Collect mature and viable seeds from parent trees in the fall after they have ripened and fallen. Clean and dry the seeds, and store them in a cool and dry place until the next spring. Stratify the seeds by mixing them with moist sand, vermiculite or peat moss at a ratio of 1:2, and keep them in the fridge for 3-4 months at a temperature of 3-5°C. Sow the stratified seeds in a seedling tray or directly in the field, and cover them with a thin layer of soil or sand. Water the seeds regularly, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination should occur in 2-4 weeks, and after that, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus Succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. Rutila (Sarg.) Kruschke
Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link var. rutila (Sarg.) Kruschke, commonly known as Redhaw, is generally a disease and pest-resistant plant but is occasionally susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Proper management strategies can reduce the severity of such issues and promote healthy growth. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fire Blight: This bacterial disease affects the leaves, twigs, flowers, and fruits of the plant, causing them to turn brown or black and curve like a shepherd's crook. Cut off and remove affected branches, clean pruning tools after use, and disinfect them with alcohol or bleach to prevent the spread of the disease. Use copper sprays or antibiotic sprays before and after the flowering season to prevent infection.
Cedar-Apple Rust: This fungal disease appears as orange spots on the leaves, and later, yellow, spindle-shaped galls on the twigs. Remove and destroy any infected parts. Plant resistant varieties of hawthorn or apple trees nearby. Fungicide treatments can prevent the disease from spreading.
Pests
Scale Insects: These pests are difficult to spot as they crawl on the bark and leaves of the plant, feeding on its sap and leaving a sticky residue in their wake. Use horticultural oil sprays or insecticidal soaps to control their population. Prune off heavily-infested branches. Keep the plant healthy with the right amount of water and nutrients to reduce the likelihood of infestation.
Aphids: These tiny insects suck on the sap of the leaves and twigs, causing them to curl and deform. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays to eradicate them. Avoid over-fertilization, which can make the plant more attractive to aphids.
Spider Mites: These pests are not insects but tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing yellow or white spots to appear on them. Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays to control their population. Keep the plant well-watered and avoid dry conditions.
Regular inspection and early detection of diseases and pests are critical to preventing them from causing severe damage to the plant. Employing various management strategies, such as proper sanitation, cultural practices, and pesticide applications, can help keep the plant healthy and productive.
