Hawthorn – Crataegus monogyna (Bare Rooted)

Description

Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, is deciduous and is probably the most used species for hedging in the UK. After these hedges were planted some two hundred and fifty yeas ago, they soon attracted wildlife to roost and nest and tunnel. This led to a natural mixing of other species into what may have originally been a hundred percent Hawthorn hedge. In an old field hedge now, maybe 6 or more species can be identified in a very short distance. These days when planting a new hedge it is usually made of about seventy five percent Hawthorn and the rest is of other species mixed in at planting. I am told Hawthorn is safe for horses, and in my experience very safe for farm animals. I have noticed that Hawthorn does not grow well when planted under a hedgerow oak, it’s probably best to use holly or any species that can stand shade and dry conditions in that situation. If allowed to grow for a few years after maturity without trimming the blossom Hawthorn produces is exceptionally beautiful which can last for about six weeks. After the blossoms the berries gradually develop, by early Autumn the berries have turned a beautiful deep red and last well into the winter before many species of grateful birds devour them. Hawthorn will grow well in any soil type.