Choosing the Right Hawthorn for Your Garden

At maturity, based on its adult size.

The most common species of hawthorns are the largest ones, the Hawthorn monogyne (Crataegus monogyna) and the Smooth Hawthorn or Midland Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) are long-lived bushes, which can grow between 5 and 10 m in height at maturity, with a spread of 4 to 8 m. The Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli), also known as the Cockspur Thorn, can reach up to 8 meters in height with a spread of 5 m.

Some hawthorns remain very modest in size, forming shrubs or small trees suitable for small gardens, reaching a height of 2 to 3 m at maturity with a width of 1 to 2 m, such as Crataegus x media ‘Tortuosa Charlier’, Crataegus monogyna ‘Compacta’, Crataegomespilus dardarii ‘Jules d’Asnières’ or Crataegus monogyna ‘Versicolor’.

Medium-sized hawthorns typically reach 4 to 6 meters in height with a similar spread. This is the case of Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ which measures 6 m all around.

Thinking long-term: hawthorns can live for several decades. Planting a variety that is too large for a limited space can lead to problems in adulthood.

It is worth noting that some specimens of the most common species show incredible longevity, such as the Bouquetot Crataegus laevigata in Eure, a remarkable tree planted around 1360.

The small Crataegus monogyna ‘Compacta’ and the medium-sized Crataegus ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’

habit

Hawthorns generally have a spreading habit, with branches that extend widely to form a rounded or almost flat crown. This type of habit brings a certain elegance and a sense of maturity to the garden.

The Crataegus monogyna ‘Stricta’ has a columnar habit, characterized by vertical growth with tight branches that remain close to the trunk. This habit is particularly interesting for gardens where space is limited in width, but where height is desired. The columnar hawthorn is ideal for creating elegant rows along a pathway, bordering an entrance, or structuring a garden with a modern and graphic touch. As it grows, it forms a slender silhouette that reaches approximately 10 meters in height, while remaining relatively narrow, with a spread of only 3 meters. This habit is especially appreciated in formal or contemporary gardens, where it can provide a strong structural element, while offering the classic benefits of hawthorns: abundant flowering in spring and decorative fruits in autumn.

The Crataegus monogyna ‘Flexuosa’, on the other hand, is characterized by a very compact habit and twisted branches, giving the impression of a constrained shrub. Its twisted and intertwined branches give it a unique silhouette. It is particularly appreciated for its graphic appearance in winter, when its bare branches fully reveal their contorted shapes.

The ‘Stricta’ cultivar with a columnar habit and the twisted branches of ‘Flexuosa’

According to its foliage

Hawthorn leaves are typically green, deeply lobed, and measure between 2 and 6 cm in length. They are arranged alternately on the branches and often have a slightly shiny surface. The lobed edges of the leaves give the foliage an elegant appearance, bringing a sense of lightness to the garden.

Depending on the species and varieties, the shape or texture of the foliage may vary slightly. For example, some hawthorns have smaller or more finely cut leaves. In autumn, the leaves of many species take on golden or bronze hues, such as the Crataegus crus-galli which also develops entire leaves.

A delightful surprise, some hawthorn varieties exhibit variegated foliage. Among them, the Crataegus monogyna ‘Variegata’ stands out with green foliage accented with cream-white variegations and edges, creating a bright and decorative effect.

The Crataegus chlorosarca ‘Variegata’ features foliage speckled with yellow, contrasting with the dark branches and small spring white flowers.

Lastly, the Crataegus x media ‘Gireoudii’ offers a particularly attractive display in spring. Its young leaves and stems emerge with a pink and white variegation that later contrasts with the mature green foliage. This play of colours creates a striking effect early in the season.

Crataegus x media ‘Gireoudii’

A hawthorn with or without thorns

One of the most well-known characteristics of hawthorns is the presence of long sharp thorns covering their branches, providing a natural defense against intruders. These thorns make hawthorns ideal candidates for defensive hedges, but they can also be a concern in certain contexts, especially in gardens frequented by children or in spaces where the risk of injuries is to be avoided.

The Crataegus grignonensis is a remarkable species without thorns, resulting from a natural cross-breeding observed in the Grignon park, France. This rare hybrid combines the aesthetic qualities of traditional hawthorns, particularly abundant spring flowering and decorative fruits in autumn, while eliminating the inconveniences associated with thorns.

Let’s also mention the variety Crataegus monogyna ‘Compacta’. This hawthorn is not only compact, reaching barely 2 to 3 meters in height, but it is also thornless. Its dense and rounded habit makes it ideal for small gardens or restricted spaces where incorporating a hawthorn without risking harm to passersby or pets is desired. Like other hawthorns, it offers white or slightly pink spring flowering, followed by red fruits in autumn, all while remaining very easy to maintain.

According to the colour and shape of its flowers

Flowering is undoubtedly the most spectacular moment for the hawthorn. In spring, the tree or bush is covered with a multitude of small delicate flowers grouped in corymbs, creating a veritable floral cloud that attracts pollinators. The flowers, usually simple in shape and composed of five petals, resemble those of the Rosaceae family, to which the hawthorn belongs.

Wild hawthorn, such as Crataegus monogyna, displays white flowers. This flowering is often slightly fragrant, adding a gentle olfactory note to the garden. But many horticultural varieties have been selected to offer pink or red flowers.

The exuberant white flowering of Crataegus monogyna

The Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ bears double flowers in a dark pink to blood red shade. This variety, with a spectacular visual impact, contrasts beautifully with the shiny green foliage. ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’ is adorned with double flowers in a fairly deep medium pink, creating a romantic and elegant atmosphere.

As for Crataegus laevigata ‘Princesse Sturdza’, it develops beautiful single flowers, bicoloured, pink with a white centre.

The choice of flowers, whether in terms of colour or shape, allows the hawthorn to be adapted to different styles of gardens. A variety with white flowers will bring a classic and natural touch, while a hawthorn with red or pink flowers will be perfect for a garden that favours colourful or romantic accents. Opting for double flowers will prioritize a more elaborate and ornamental aesthetic.

Crataegus ‘Princess Sturdza’ and ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’

According to its fruits

After flowering, the hawthorn reveals another aspect of its charm: its fruits, called haws. These small round or oval fruits, often red but sometimes yellow or orange depending on the species, or red then black, appear in late summer and provide lasting ornamental interest until autumn, even winter. Haws are not only decorative: they also play an ecological role and potentially a culinary one.

Red fruits are the most common, especially in the Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata species. Their bright hue creates a magnificent contrast with the foliage, especially in autumn when the leaves turn golden or bronze. These evergreen fruits remain attached to the branches long after the leaves have fallen, into the colder periods.

Some hawthorns, such as the Crataegus pinnatifida ‘Big Ball’ and the Crataegus mexicana, are valued for their large fruits, consumed cooked in cuisine. They are traditionally used to make jams, jellies, or syrups. The Crataegus azarolus, a species typical of the Mediterranean region, produces fruits called azeroles, also consumed in compotes.

Yellow or orange fruits are less common, but equally decorative, found in Crataegus monogyna ‘Xanthocarpa’.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, hawthorn fruits are a valuable resource for wildlife. Rich in sugars and nutrients, they are a preferred food source for many birds such as blackbirds, thrushes, and starlings, as well as for some small mammals in winter.

The manzanillas of the Crataegus mexicana

Depending on its use.

Hawthorn is a versatile plant that fits well in many settings, thanks to its aesthetics and ecological qualities.

• As a standalone plant: a hawthorn with a majestic habit, such as Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ with its double red flowers, becomes an ideal focal point in a large garden. Compact varieties like Crataegus monogyna ‘Tortuosa Charlier’ are suitable for small spaces and pots, offering attractive flowering and fruiting without clutter.
• In a flower bed: likewise, for a flower bed, opt for small, numerous varieties.
• In a hedge: thorny hawthorns, such as Crataegus monogyna or Crataegus crus-galli, are perfect for forming dense and impenetrable defensive hedges, as well as countryside hedges.
• In an ecologically-oriented garden: hawthorns like Crataegus laevigata or Crataegus grignonensis (thornless) attract pollinators and birds, promoting biodiversity. They blend in perfectly in countryside or wild-style gardens.
• In an ornamental garden: variegated foliage varieties, such as Crataegus monogyna ‘Variegata’, or those with spectacular flowering, like Crataegus laevigata ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’, bring a sophisticated and luminous touch to a flower bed.