The Washington Hawthorn has white flower clusters in spring, red fruit in the fall that persists into the winter. Fruit attracts birds. The foliage is a reddish purple when unfolding and gradually changing to lustrous dark green at maturity. Fall color varies from orange to scarlet to purplish. The Washington hawthorn grows upright when young, but develops a broad canopy and a rounded form with age. If you’re looking to attract Birds and Wildlife to your landscape, look no further than De Groot, Inc.’s newest plant group. The characteristics that make these species so visually appealing – showy flowers, stunning fruit, winter color – are some of Nature’s most powerful draws for the animal kingdom. Turn your yard into a naturally balanced eco-system! Whether you choose one variety or one of each, you’re sure to enjoy these plants for a lifetime. They provide food, shelter and nesting. Plant your backyard sanctuary today!
Size: 12"-18" Hardiness: Zones 4-10 Exposure: Sun to partial shade Common: 'Washington Hawthorn' Botanical: Crataegus phaenopyrum Family: Rosaceae Height: up to 25' Spacing: 20’ Foliage: Leaves emerge reddish and mature to a dark green Flower: White flowers Bloomtime: Early in June Pests or Diseases: Lacebug is an insect that may feed on hawthorn leaves, causing serious leaf browning by mid- to late-summer. Notes: Washington Hawthorn casts light shade. The white flowers, produced in clusters in late spring, are followed by orange to red fruit that persist into winter. The fall color is orange to red. Washington Hawthorn can be grown as a multi-stemmed clump or as a single-stemmed tree. Washington Hawthorne trees hold its fruit on the tree and it is an excellent wildlife species and can be used as a specimen, hedge or screen. This is the best Hawthorn for the South. Because the shoots carry long spines, the Washington Hawthorn is generally not recommended for children's play areas. Planting instructions: Washington Hawthorn has no particular soil preference. It has low water requirements and shows a high tolerance to salt and alkali soils. The Washington Hawthorn is fairly tolerant of city pollution and grows best in soils that are high in organic matter. Dig a hole large enough to encompass the roots without bending or circling. Set the plant in place so the crown (part of the plant where the root meets the stem) is about 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Cover with soil to the original soil surface and water thoroughly.