Crataegus laevigata 'Punicea'

RHS Plant Profile
hawthorn 'Punicea'

Synonyms

Crataegus laevigata 'Punicea'
Crataegus oxyacantha 'Punicea'
Crataegus × media 'Rosea Superba'
Crataegus laevigata Crimson Cloud

Award of Garden Merit
Trees

A small, thorny, deciduous tree with glossy, lobed leaves, and clusters of white-eyed, deep pink flowers in late spring, followed by dark red fruit in early autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 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
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows well in most soils in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by chip budding in mid- to late summer or grafting in late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars, gall mites and aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to a leaf spot, fireblight and honey fungus