Crataegus laevigata Pauls Scarlet

Hawthorn Paul's Scarlet, scientifically known as Crataegus laevigata Paul's Scarlet, has a fine display of double, pink-red flowers that arrive in May when almost all other spring flowering trees have finished their floral displays.

The foliage is a classic Hawthorn shape, small and dark green, changing to red in autumn. The fruit also appears in the autumn and is red, very small and similar to the Common Hawthorn fruit.

Crataegus laevigata Paul's Scarlet is a sport of a specimen of Crataegus Rosea Flora Pleno found in a Herefordshire Garden in the 1850s; it is one of the most popular thorns available and won the First Class Certificate in 1858 and the Award of Garden Merit in 2002.

This tough tree is quite resilient and will perform well in most soils, including very dry and wet conditions. However, it can be a little slow to root after transplanting, and thus, we recommend moderate crown pruning in the first few years after planting to ensure good anchorage.

This small—to medium-sized tree is a great choice for exposed or coastal gardens as it is one of the very few ornamental varieties that can withstand a little salt-laden wind.

This species should be included in any planting project that aims to extend the floral display well into early summer.

Mature height: 3-7m