Paul's Scarlet Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata 'Gireoudii'
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as the English Hawthorn 'Gireoudii' showcases a picturesque appearance. Its structure is characterized by a dense, thorny, and twiggy nature. This cultivar stands out with its striking clusters of double pink flowers that blossom profusely, delivering a delightful show in the spring. The flowers' deep pink hue is rich and vibrant, inviting to both the eyes and an array of pollinators. Following the floral display, the plant produces small, glossy red berries, which persist into winter, adding a splash of color to an otherwise barren landscape. The leaves of the English Hawthorn 'Gireoudii' are small to medium in size, with a lobed outline resembling classic leaf shapes depicted in art, and present a lush, green backdrop that further accentuates the plant's colorful attributes. The overall form of the English Hawthorn 'Gireoudii' is rounded, creating a compact and bushy silhouette that lends itself well to garden compositions where space is not defined by numeric dimensions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Midland Hawthorn, English Hawthorn, Woodland Hawthorn, Mayflower
Common names
Crataegus laevigata 'Gireoudii'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Crataegus laevigata 'Gireoudii' is English Hawthorn. In general, the English Hawthorn is not considered highly toxic to humans. Parts of the hawthorn plant, including the berries, leaves, and flowers, have historically been used for medicinal purposes, particularly for heart-related conditions. However, if consumed in large quantities, the plant could potentially cause stomach upset, nausea, and other digestive disturbances. It's always advisable to consume hawthorn products prepared by reputable sources and follow recommended dosages.
To pets
English Hawthorn is also not known to be highly toxic to pets. Similar to its effects on humans, it is not considered dangerous to dogs, cats, or other pets in small quantities. Nonetheless, it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants as they may cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in some animals. If a pet ingests large amounts of the plant or appears to have an adverse reaction, it is wise to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters)
Spread
15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Crataegus laevigata 'Gireoudii', commonly known as the Midland Hawthorn, provides a habitat and food source for birds and beneficial insects.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its lush green foliage, white flowers, and bright red berries, the Midland Hawthorn is visually striking and enhances the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Tolerance of Conditions: This species is known for its hardiness, being able to tolerate a variety of soil types, pollution, and some degree of neglect.
- Privacy and Boundaries: The dense growth of the Midland Hawthorn makes it an effective plant for hedges or living fences, offering privacy and demarcating property lines.
- Supports Biodiversity: By providing nectar and pollen, the Midland Hawthorn supports a variety of pollinators which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity within an ecosystem.
Medical Properties- Cardiovascular support: Hawthorn, the common name for Crataegus species including Crataegus laevigata, has been traditionally used to support the cardiovascular system.
- Antioxidant effects: Hawthorn may contain antioxidant compounds that help protect cells from damage by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: It may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, which could be beneficial in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Reducing anxiety: Hawthorn has been used in herbal medicine practices to help reduce anxiety and stress.
- Digestive aid: Some traditional use suggests that hawthorn can aid in digestion and relieve gastrointestinal complaints.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crataegus laevigata 'Giroudii', commonly known as Midland hawthorn, can be used in bonsai cultivation for its attractive foliage and structural form.
- The dense, thorny branches of the Midland hawthorn can be utilized as a natural barrier or hedge to deter wildlife and unauthorized entry onto properties.
- Wood from the Midland hawthorn is hard and can be used for making small wooden objects like handles, tool parts, and craft items.
- The spring flowers provide an early source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Midland hawthorn trees can be planted as part of a mixed-species hedgerow, providing biodiversity benefits and enhancing habitat connectivity for various species.
- During the autumn, the bright red berries (haws) can be used to make dyes for textiles or crafts.
- The robust root system of Crataegus laevigata 'Giroudii' helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and riverbanks.
- Midland hawthorn can be used in landscape architectural designs for urban areas, providing greenery and improving aesthetic appeal of spaces.
- The tree's attractive seasonal changes, with flowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn, make it a desirable species for arboretums and educational botanical collections.
- In folklore and symbolism, hawthorn trees are often planted for their association with hope, happiness, and protection, enriching cultural and spiritual practices.
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: Commonly known as the English Hawthorn, Crataegus laevigata 'Gireoudii' often symbolizes hope as it is one of the first plants to flower in spring, signifying the return of life after the cold winter months.
- Love and Protection: In many cultures, the Hawthorn tree represents love and protection. It was traditionally used to make marriage crowns and planted near homes to ward off evil.
- Peace and Good Fortune: Its lush flowers and pleasant fragrance are believed to bring peace to the individual and good fortune to the space it occupies.
- Rejuvenation: The English Hawthorn's regenerative properties, where it can easily grow back even after being cut down, symbolize the idea of rejuvenation and the ability to overcome challenges.
WaterThe Midland Hawthorn should be watered deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This typically means providing about 1 to 2 gallons of water every 7 to 10 days during the growing season. In hotter, drier conditions, the frequency may increase to once every 5 to 7 days. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, water less frequently, ensuring only that the root ball doesn't completely dry out. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's essential to ensure good drainage.
LightThe Midland Hawthorn thrives best in full sunlight where it can receive direct light for at least six hours daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering and fruiting may be reduced. The ideal spot for this plant is in an open area, away from large trees or buildings that can cast too much shade.
TemperatureMidland Hawthorns are hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures; they can survive winter lows down to about -20°F, making them suitable for many temperate climates. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 80°F, which promotes optimal growth and health. Extreme heat above 90°F may require additional watering to prevent stress.
PruningPruning Midland Hawthorn is necessary to remove dead or diseased branches, maintain its shape, and encourage healthy growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Thin out crowded branches and remove any that cross each other to allow for better air circulation. Pruning every year or two is typically sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMidland Hawthorn prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sand at a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Enrich with organic compost for nutrients.
RepottingMidland Hawthorn trees do not commonly need repotting as they are typically planted outdoors. Monitor root growth and repot only if necessary.
Humidity & MistingMidland Hawthorn thrives in average outdoor humidity levels; excessive supplemental humidity is not required.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and airflow for Midland Hawthorn.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, provide space for roots, water well.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleCrataegus laevigata 'Gireoudii', commonly known as the Midland Hawthorn, begins its lifecycle as a seed that germinates in damp, well-drained soil typically in the spring. The seedling develops into a young sapling, with the plant establishing its root system and beginning to sprout leaves and thorns. As the sapling matures, it grows into a small tree or shrub, and after a few years, it starts to flower, producing clusters of pink or red blossoms which are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, these flowers develop into small red fruit called haws, which are often eaten by birds, aiding in seed dispersal. The tree reaches maturity in several years and can continue to grow and produce flowers and fruit for many decades, sometimes living over a hundred years. Throughout its life, the Midland Hawthorn undergoes cyclical seasonal changes, with periods of dormancy in winter followed by rejuvenation in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: Crataegus laevigata 'Gireoudii', commonly known as the Midland Hawthorn, is best propagated by grafting, which is often performed during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring. Grafting involves taking a scion, which is a short piece of stem with two or more buds, from the desired Hawthorn and attaching it to a rootstock, usually from a related species that offers disease resistance and hardiness. The graft union is then sealed with grafting tape or wax to protect it from drying out and to help keep the cut surfaces together. After the graft has taken, which can be evident by the growth of new shoots, the tape or wax is removed, and the plant is carefully nurtured until it is strong enough for transplantation to its final location.
