Crataegus ambigua

RHS Plant Profile

Russian hawthorn

Trees

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A mid-sized deciduous tree with a spreading habit, thorny branches and leathery, lobed and toothed green leaves. In late spring, loose clusters of small white flowers with purple anthers are produced, followed by red berries that mature to dark purple

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: wider than 8 metres
Max Height: 8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H7

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Spreading branched
Potentially harmful: Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruitusually grown as an ornamental shrub Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus: Crataegus are deciduous trees and shrubs, usually with spiny branches, lobed or toothed leaves, and clusters of creamy-white flowers followed by red or black fruits. Some have fine autumn colour
Name Status: Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows well in most soils, in sun or partial shade. Will not tolerate waterlogging

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by grafting. Seeds require stratification and may take up to 18 months to germinate

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Cottage and informal garden
Wildlife gardens
Coastal
Low Maintenance

Pruning

Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars, aphids and hawthorn button top midge

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight, honey fungus, crown gall, silver leaf, powdery mildews and leaf spots