Overview of Crataegus ×maligna Sarg.
Crataegus ×maligna Sarg. (pro sp.), also known as the red hawthorn, is a flowering shrub that belongs to the rosaceae family. It is a hybrid of two hawthorn species, the C. laevigata and C. monogyna, and its origin can be traced back to Europe and Asia Minor. This plant features distinctive pink to red flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
General Appearance of Crataegus ×maligna Sarg.
The red hawthorn is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 5-7 meters in height. Its branches are covered with smooth, grayish-brown bark that becomes furrowed with age. The leaves are dark green and have a deeply lobed, serrated shape. The flowers are produced in clusters and are brightly colored, with five petals that form a star shape. The small, red fruit that follows the flowers is similar in appearance to a cherry, and is edible, but not particularly palatable.
Common Names of Crataegus ×maligna Sarg.
The red hawthorn is known by a variety of common names, including the highbush hawthorn, the woodland hawthorn, and the double-flowered hawthorn. It is also sometimes referred to as the "red haw" or simply "maligna".
Uses of Crataegus ×maligna Sarg.
The red hawthorn has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Its berries are rich in antioxidants, while its flowers and leaves contain bioflavonoids that are believed to have anti-inflammatory and blood pressure-lowering effects. The plant is also popular in landscaping due to its attractive blooms and foliage, and is often used as a specimen shrub or in mixed borders.
Overall, Crataegus ×maligna Sarg. is a versatile and attractive plant that offers both medicinal and decorative value to gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.Growth Conditions for Crataegus ×maligna Sarg. (pro sp.)
Light: Crataegus ×maligna Sarg. (pro sp.) thrives best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. At least six hours of sunlight is necessary for the plant to grow to its full potential.
Temperature: Crataegus ×maligna Sarg. (pro sp.) is a hardy plant that can survive in a wide range of temperatures. However, the optimal temperature for the plant's growth is between 15°C to 25°C. During the winter, it can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C.
Soil Requirements: Crataegus ×maligna Sarg. (pro sp.) prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5). The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as poorly drained soil can lead to root rot. The plant can tolerate clay soils as well, but the soil should be amended with organic matter to improve drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Crataegus ×maligna Sarg. (pro sp.) or the 'Red hawthorn' is a small, deciduous tree that is easy to cultivate. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can adapt to various soil types, including loam, clay, and sand. It can withstand urban pollution but prefers well-drained sites. The tree is propagated through cuttings, seedlings, layering, or grafting onto rootstocks.
Watering Needs
The 'Red hawthorn' requires moderate watering during its early establishment stages until it forms a strong root system. Thereafter, it can tolerate periods of drought. However, it would be best if you watered it regularly during extended dry spells, especially in sandy soils, to maintain its growth and vigor. As a rule, only apply enough water to reach the root zone without overwatering the tree.
Fertilization
To keep your 'Red hawthorn' tree healthy and productive, you need to fertilize it annually. The tree responds well to organic and inorganic fertilizers, but too much fertilizer can harm the roots or cause leaf burn. It would be best if you apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring or late fall when the tree is dormant. You can also mulch around the base of the tree with organic matter, such as compost, to enhance soil fertility, retain moisture, and suppress weeds.
Pruning
The 'Red hawthorn' requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape or size. You can prune it in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood, and thin crowded branches to enhance light penetration and airflow. Also, remove any suckers that emerge from the base of the tree to prevent competition for nutrients with the main stem. If you want to train the tree to a specific shape, you can prune it to form a central leader or an open canopy with multiple stems.
Propagation of Crataegus ×maligna Sarg.
There are several propagation methods for Crataegus ×maligna Sarg., including:
1. Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from the berries of mature trees in the fall. They should be cleaned and sown in a seed bed or individual pots. Germination will typically occur in the following spring.
2. Cuttings propagation
Hardwood cuttings collected in late fall or early winter from young, vigorous trees can be rooted in a propagation bed or greenhouse. Rooting hormone can be used to increase success rates.
3. Grafting propagation
Grafting is a common propagation method for many fruit trees, including Crataegus ×maligna Sarg. Budding and whip grafting are popular techniques, and the rootstock should be selected based on desired traits, such as disease resistance or root system growth.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, it's important to maintain good soil moisture and nutrient levels while avoiding overwatering or overfeeding. With proper care, Crataegus ×maligna Sarg. can be successfully propagated and grown in a variety of settings.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus ×maligna Sarg.
Crataegus ×maligna Sarg. is a plant that is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause damage to the plant and reduce its productivity. Proper disease and pest management practices are essential to minimize the impact of these factors on the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spots: Fungal leaf spots are a common problem in Crataegus ×maligna Sarg. The disease is characterized by circular to irregular brown, red, or purple spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage the problem, remove the infected leaves and destroy them immediately. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Cedar-Hawthorn Rust: Cedar-hawthorn rust is a fungal disease that can cause defoliation and twig dieback in the plant. The disease is identified by the occurrence of bright orange or yellow spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage the disease, remove the infected parts of the plant and avoid planting the plant near cedar trees. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Fire Blight: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that can cause the death of the plant. The disease is characterized by the occurrence of wilting, blackening, and curling of leaves and stems. To manage the disease, prune the infected branches and avoid overhead watering. Copper sprays can also be used to control the spread of the bacteria.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that can cause damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves and stems. The infested plant shows stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage the pest, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to control the population of the pest.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant and cause damage to the leaves. The infested plant shows a yellowing of leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage the pest, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Predatory mites can also be introduced to control the population of the pest.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck sap from its leaves and stems. The infested plant shows yellowing of leaves and a sticky substance on the plant. To manage the pest, prune the infected parts of the plant and spray it with horticultural oil. Introduction of natural predators like lacewings can also be useful.
Implementing good cultural practices like pruning and proper watering, and monitoring the plant regularly for signs of disease or pests can help minimize the impact of these factors on the Crataegus ×maligna Sarg. plant.
