Crataegus laevigata aka English Hawthorn

Taxonomy

Crataegus laevigata, commonly known as the Midland hawthorn, English hawthorn, woodland hawthorn, or mayflower, is a species of hawthorn native to western and central Europe, from Great Britain to Spain up to the Czech Republic and Hungary; it is also present in North Africa. It is a large shrub or small tree growing to 8 metres (26ft) or rarely to 12 metres (39ft) tall, with a dense crown and 2–6 centimetres (0.79–2.4 in) long and 2–5 centimetres (0.79–2.0 in) broad leaves that have two to three shallow, forward-pointing lobes on each side. It produces hermaphrodite flowers in clusters of six to twelve, each with five white or pale pink petals and two or three styles, and the fruits are dark red pomes 6–10 millimetres (0.2–0.4 in) in diameter, containing two or three nutlets and slightly oval. Midland Hawthorn is a rare houseplant that needs little care and regular watering in order to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be fairly close to a window. It likes soil that is well-draining and shouldn't need additional fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. Notable cultivars of the species include 'François Rigaud', 'Paul's Scarlet', 'Punicea' and 'Rosea Flore Pleno', all of which have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Common names

English Hawthorn, Midland Hawthorn, Woodland Hawthorn

How to care for English Hawthorn

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, English Hawthorn is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

English Hawthorn should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

English Hawthorn loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

English Hawthorn requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Midland Hawthorn is always in the right place to thrive.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

English Hawthorn is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Fertilizer

The English Hawthorn is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

English Hawthorn’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Sweden to Spain, eastwards to Poland.


More info:
Wikipedia