Origin
Crataegus x lavallei Hérincq, commonly known as Lavalle hawthorn, is a hybrid plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The plant is the result of a cross between the C. laevigata and C. monogyna species.
Common names
Lavalle hawthorn is commonly known as Lavalle, Morden Lavalle, or Lavallei
Uses
Lavalle hawthorn is popularly grown in ornamental gardens and city parks due to its striking appearance. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat diseases such as heart problems, high blood pressure, and digestive issues. Hawthorn berries are known for their medicinal properties, and Lavalle hawthorn produces an abundance of them.
General Appearance
The Lavalle hawthorn is a deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It has an upright, spreading habit and is covered in small, white flowers in spring. The flowers are followed by small, red berries that ripen in the fall and persist throughout the winter months. The plant's leaves are glossy, dark green, and serrated, and they turn yellow-orange in the fall.
Light Requirements
The Crataegus x lavallei Hérincq plant prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight exposure per day is necessary for healthy growth. However, too much direct sunlight may cause leaf scorching and discoloration.
Temperature Requirements
The Crataegus x lavallei Hérincq plant is a hardy species that can withstand temperatures ranging from -40°F (-40°C) to 105°F (40.6°C). However, it prefers cooler temperatures ranging from 60°F (15.6°C) to 70°F (21.1°C) during the growing season. In extreme heat, it's important to keep the soil moist to prevent dehydration.
Soil Requirements
The Crataegus x lavallei Hérincq plant grows best in well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in nutrients and has a neutral to slightly acidic pH level between 6.5 and 7.0. It can tolerate some clay, but heavy clay soils should be amended with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage. The plant also requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation methods
Crataegus x lavallei Hérincq, also known as Lavalle hawthorn, is a hardy plant that can adapt to a wide range of soil types. It thrives in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plant is propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division of the root ball. It is recommended to plant the Lavalle hawthorn in spring or early fall when the soil is moist.
Watering needs
Lavalle hawthorn requires consistent, deep watering to establish its roots. During the first year, the plant should receive about an inch of water each week. In subsequent years, the watering can be reduced to once every 10-14 days. The plant must not be over-watered as excessive moisture can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Crataegus x lavallei Hérincq does not require heavy fertilization. It is recommended to fertilize the plant during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer can be applied once per month. Over-fertilization must be avoided as this can cause more harm than good.
Pruning
Lavalle hawthorn does not require frequent pruning. However, pruning can be done to shape the plant or remove damaged or diseased limbs. Pruning should be done during the dormant season before the start of spring growth. Any dead, damaged, or diseased wood should be removed at the base. Cuts should be made just beyond the branch collar to promote healing and prevent infection.
Propagation of Crataegus x lavallei Hérincq
Crataegus x lavallei Hérincq, also known as Lavalle hawthorn, can be propagated through various methods including seed propagation, softwood cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seed is the easiest and most common method of propagating Crataegus x lavallei Hérincq. This can be achieved by collecting fresh seeds from the plant during autumn, cleaning them, and planting them in well-drained soil. It is important to note that seedlings may not come true to the parent plant and may not exhibit the same characteristics of the parent plant.
Softwood Cuttings
Propagation by softwood cuttings involves taking cuttings of the current year's growth during early summer and rooting them in a soil mix. The cuttings should be taken from young branches, preferably with a heel attached. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist but not overly wet, and they should be kept in a sheltered location with filtered sunlight until they have successfully rooted.
Grafting
Grafting is a propagation method that involves taking a cutting from the desired plant and attaching it to a rootstock of another plant. This method of propagation is often used to maintain certain characteristics of the parent plant. Crataegus x lavallei Hérincq can be grafted onto a suitable rootstock during late winter or early spring. Once grafted, the plant should be kept in a humidity chamber until it begins to produce new growth and roots.
Disease Management
Crataegus x lavallei Hérincq is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease causes the blackening of twigs and leaves, followed by bending at the tip. Infected plant parts eventually die. To manage fire blight, prune and dispose of infected plant parts as soon as symptoms appear. Also, avoid overhead watering to minimize humidity.
- Cedar rust: This fungal disease causes yellow spots on leaves, eventually turning reddish-brown. The spots may have black specks in them, and the leaves may curl up. Infected fruits have yellowish or brownish spots. To manage cedar rust, plant the tree away from juniper plants and other hosts. Additionally, prune out infected plant parts and dispose of them. Also, apply fungicides in early spring.
- Leaf blight: This fungal disease causes small, white spots on leaves, which coalesce and enlarge, eventually turning brownish-black. Infected leaves eventually fall off. To manage leaf blight, prune and dispose of infected plant parts as soon as symptoms appear. Additionally, avoid overhead watering and promote good air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Crataegus x lavallei Hérincq is also prone to attack by various pests, including:
- Aphids: These small, green insects suck sap from leaves, causing distortion and yellowing. To manage aphids, release natural predators, such as ladybirds and lacewings, and spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mites: These tiny, spider-like pests also suck sap from leaves, causing yellowing and bronzing. In severe infestations, fine webbing can be seen. To manage mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Apple maggot: This pest lays eggs on fruits, resulting in the formation of small, white maggots that tunnel into the fruit. To manage apple maggot, hang red sphere traps around the tree to trap the adult flies. Additionally, cover the fruits with bags or nylon stockings to prevent egg-laying.
