Crataegus laevigata Punicea (English Hawthorn)

Award-winning Crataegus laevigata 'Punicea' or 'Crimson Cloud' (English Hawthorn) is a small, low-branching, deciduous tree with a dense, rounded crown of ascending, stiff, zig-zag branches. They are well armed with thorns, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), and clad with glossy, dark green, 3 to 5-lobed leaves. In mid to late spring, a profusion of reddish-pink flowers with white centers are produced along the branches, providing a spectacular spring floral display. The blossoms are followed by dark red fruits in fall. The foliage develops no appreciable fall color. This selection is noted for its resistance to leaf spot.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 18-25 ft. tall and wide (5-8 m).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this tree is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils.
• Perfect as a specimen tree for cottage gardens, town, coastal or exposed gardens. Can be used for hedging.
• Requires only minimal pruning in late winter or early spring, to remove damaged, diseased or misplaced growth.
• Keep an eye out for caterpillars, gall mites, aphids, leaf spots and fireblight.
• Propagate by chip budding in mid- to late summer or grafting in late winter
• Fruit may cause mild stomach upset if ingested