Pink Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno' (d)
ABOUT
The Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno', commonly known as the Midland hawthorn or English hawthorn, is a deciduous plant notorious for its striking floral display and dense, thorny branches. The Midland hawthorn unfurls its leaves in early spring; these are glossy and dark green, with a three-lobed shape that adds texture to the foliage. The true stars of the show are the double flowers, which emerge in a generous profusion during mid-spring. Each flower has layers of petals, giving them a full, rosette-like appearance that is quite decorative. The blossoms are a soft pink, sometimes with deeper pink at their petal bases, exuding a delicate allure. These flowers are densely packed in clusters, creating a lavish bouquet effect across the branches which can be quite a spectacle against the fresh green backdrop of the leaves. As the blooming season progresses, the flowers develop into small red berries, known as haws. These berries persist into the fall and winter, providing a contrast against the plant's autumnal foliage, which takes on a spectrum of orange and red hues before the leaves are shed. The overall shape of the Midland hawthorn is rounded and compact, which, combined with its thorny stems, makes it a dense mass of intricate visual texture throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Midland Hawthorn, English Hawthorn, Woodland Hawthorn, May-Tree, Double Pink Hawthorn, Rose Hawthorn
Common names
Crataegus laevigata 'Plena', Crataegus oxyacantha 'Flore Pleno Rosea', Crataegus oxyacantha 'Rosea Plena', Crataegus oxyacantha 'Rosea Flore Pleno'.
ToxicityTo humans
Crataegus laevigata, commonly known as midland hawthorn, is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, various parts of the plant, including the berries, leaves, and flowers, have been used historically for medicinal purposes. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting the midland hawthorn. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could exist, so it is always advisable to be cautious when trying any new plant for the first time.
To pets
The midland hawthorn is not known to be toxic to pets. This plant, including its berries, leaves, and flowers, does not appear on the common lists of plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats. As with humans, there could be rare cases of individual animals having an allergic reaction to the plant. Pet owners should always monitor their pets for any signs of distress after ingesting any plant material, especially if it is a new exposure for the animal.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno', commonly known as English Hawthorn, adds aesthetic beauty to landscapes with its abundant double pink flowers.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides food sources for birds and insects, including nectar for bees and fruits for birds.
- Shade Provider: Can offer a pleasant shade during sunny days once mature, due to its dense foliage.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with flowers in spring, lush green leaves in summer, and possibly fruits and autumnal colors in the fall.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, making it suitable for drier climates or water-conserving landscapes.
- Privacy Screen: With its dense growth habit, it can be used to create privacy hedges or natural screens.
- Compact Size: Suitable for small gardens due to its relatively small size compared to other trees.
- Soil Adaptability: Adapts to a wide range of soil types, albeit it prefers well-drained soils.
- Urban Tolerant: Capable of handling urban pollution and compacted soils, fitting for city environments.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
Medical Properties- Cardiovascular support: Hawthorn (Crataegus species) has been used traditionally to support cardiac function, particularly in cases of heart failure and high blood pressure.
- Antioxidant effects: Hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers are known to contain potent antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- Anti-anxiety properties: Some studies suggest that Hawthorn may have a calming effect and could be useful for reducing anxiety symptoms.
- Digestive aid: Historically, Hawthorn has been used to aid in digestion and improve gastrointestinal function.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Decorative Woodworking: The dense wood of Midland hawthorn can be used for ornate carving, turning, and inlay work in cabinetry and furniture making.
- Dye Production: The bark and berries can be used to make natural dyes for fabric and crafts, with the potential to produce different shades based on mordants used during processing.
- Landscape Restoration: Midland hawthorn is sometimes used in rewilding projects to create wildlife corridors and improve biodiversity in rural and urban settings.
- Photography Backdrops: In spring, the double pink flowers provide a stunning backdrop for portrait and macro photography.
- Erosion Control: Planted on slopes and banks, Midland hawthorn can help to prevent soil erosion thanks to its dense root system.
- Windbreaks: The thick foliage and sturdy structure make it suitable for planting as a windbreak to protect gardens and crops.
- Wildlife Shelter: The dense branches provide protective shelter for birds and beneficial insects, contributing to ecosystem health.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used in schools and educational gardens to teach children about plant biology and the importance of native species in the ecosystem.
- Noise Reduction: Hedges of Midland hawthorn can act as a natural noise barrier in residential areas or along highways.
- Topiary Art: Skilled gardeners can train and prune Midland hawthorn into ornamental topiary shapes for garden design.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hawthorn is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hawthorn is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: In many cultures, hawthorn trees, which include Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno', symbolize hope because they are among the first plants to blossom in spring.
- Love and Protection: The hawthorn tree is often associated with love and protection, as its flowers are traditionally used in wedding ceremonies and its dense thicket-like growth was thought to guard against negative energies.
- Happiness: The bright, double pink flowers of this cultivar are considered to bring joy and happiness to those who view them, symbolizing the pleasure of natural beauty.
- New Beginnings: Its springtime blossoms mark the end of winter, making the hawthorn represent new beginnings and the promise of warmer days to come.
- Fertility: Historically, hawthorn has been a symbol of fertility, with its prolific blooms signifying the fruitfulness and abundance of nature.
WaterThe English Hawthorn requires consistent moisture, particularly during dry spells, but does not do well with waterlogged soil. It’s important to water deeply rather than frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. A good practice for an established tree is providing approximately 1-2 gallons of water every week to ten days during the growing season, depending on rainfall and soil type. During the winter months, reduce watering, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry. Adjust your watering schedule based on the weather conditions and always check the soil moisture before watering to prevent overwatering.
LightEnglish Hawthorn thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be planted in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and flowering. While it can tolerate some shade, too much can reduce its flowering capacity and overall vitality.
TemperatureEnglish Hawthorns are hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F but perform best when temperatures stay above zero. The ideal growing temperatures for this plant range between 60°F and 80°F. They can handle the heat as well, with an upper tolerance near 90°F, but prolonged temperatures above this range may stress the plant.
PruningPruning the English Hawthorn is crucial for removing dead or diseased wood and to maintain its shape. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Periodic thinning of the branches will improve air circulation and light penetration, which can help minimize disease. Pruning can be done annually, focusing on shaping the tree and removing unwanted growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the English Hawthorn 'Rosea Flore Pleno' is well-draining, fertile loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Amending the soil with compost or aged manure will enrich the nutrients. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
RepottingEnglish Hawthorn 'Rosea Flore Pleno' typically does not require frequent repotting as it is commonly planted outdoors. It should only be transplanted or repotted if necessary due to size or soil exhaustion, which is rare.
Humidity & MistingEnglish Hawthorn 'Rosea Flore Pleno' tolerates average outdoor humidity levels well and has no special humidity requirements. It's adaptable to a range of outdoor conditions without needing specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
It's challenging to grow English Hawthorn indoors; needs ample light.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe English Hawthorn 'Rosea Flore Pleno' begins its life as a seed, which, after stratification through cold conditions, germinates in the spring. As a seedling, it establishes a root system and grows shoots, gradually forming a small shrub. Over several years, it matures into a dense, thorny tree with lobed leaves, reaching up to 5-8 meters tall. In late spring, the tree showcases its ornamental double pink flowers that attract pollinators and subsequently produce small red fruits (haws) if pollinated. After the flowering period, the plant goes through a season of growth, where it continues to develop structurally and store energy for the next cycle. The English Hawthorn can live many years, and after reaching maturity, it continues to undergo annual cycles of flowering, fruiting, and dormancy, typically experiencing a period of leaf drop in the fall and dormancy during the winter.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagation for Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno', commonly known as Pink Hawthorn, is by grafting. This technique typically takes place during the dormant season, which is the late winter. Grafting involves taking a scion, which is a short length of stem with two or more buds, from the Pink Hawthorn and joining it to a rootstock of another Crataegus species. The cut surfaces are aligned and bound together, allowing the tissues to fuse as they heal. After care is important; the grafted area should be kept moist and monitored for any signs of disease or failure. This method is favored as it preserves the characteristics of the Pink Hawthorn, ensuring that the newly propagated plants will display the same ornamental qualities as the parent.
