Crataegus × media 'Crimson Cloud'

RHS Plant Profile
hawthorn 'Crimson Cloud'
hawthorn 'Crimson Cloud' RHS

Synonyms

Crataegus × media 'Superba'
Crataegus laevigata 'Crimson Cloud'
Crataegus × media 'Punicea' misapplied

Award of Garden Merit
Trees

A small, thorny, deciduous tree, up to 5m in height, with glossy green, deeply lobed leaves which turn yellow and bronze in the autumn. Single, pinkish-red flowers with white centres appear in spring, followed by dark red fruit in early autumn. A great tree to attract wildlife, and performs well in a range of garden soils and locations

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years

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
H6

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 seed or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • 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