Crimson Hawthorn CRATAEGUS CRIMSON CLOUD
Example photos only. Size, stem height and habit may vary.
Please contact us for photos of current stock.
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Product Description
CRATAEGUS CRIMSON CLOUD – Ornamental Hawthorn
Characteristics
Not every tree is as aptly named as this one! A cloud of crimson flowers with striking white centres adorns the tree in May providing a very colourful and appealing display. Reaching only 7m (23ft) with a rounded, gently arching canopy, this hardy hawthorn makes an ideal garden tree.
The stunning flowers are single and nectar-rich providing food for bees and other insects. Over the summer the flowers begin to form small red berries favoured by thrushes and other garden birds. The leaves are a typical hawthorn leaf shape; small with attractively cut edges.
Where to grow
Crimson Cloud would make a good specimen tree for the lawn or would work equally well as a feature in the border. It forms a good screen when in leaf and has a relatively dense framework of bare branches in the winter months. Hawthorns are tolerant of any soil and are hardy in exposed locations. Plenty of sunshine is best although they do grow in partial shade.
Rabbits can be partial to a bit of hawthorn bark, so it's a good idea to use a rabbit guard on newly planted trees.
Did you know?
Willa Cather (1873 – 1976) was a novelist and poet born in Virginia, USA who wrote the poem ‘The Hawthorn Tree’. It is apt given the name of this tree - ‘Crimson Cloud’ - that she attended Red Cloud High School.
The Hawthorn Tree by Willa Cather
ACROSS the shimmering meadows—
Ah, when he came to me!
In the spring-time,
In the night-time,
In the starlight,
Beneath the hawthorn tree.
Up from the misty marsh-land—
Ah, when he climbed to me!
To my white bower,
To my sweet rest,
To my warm breast,
Beneath the hawthorn tree.
Ask of me what the birds sang,
High in the hawthorn tree;
What the breeze tells,
What the rose smells,
What the stars shine—
Not what he said to me!
Features
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Mature Height
- Small - 5-10 metres
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Spread
- 0-5 metres
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Shape / Habit
- Round Headed
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Growth Rate
- Fast
-
Soil Type
- All soil types
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Sun Levels
- Full sun
- Partial shade
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Difficulty / Hard to Grow
- Easy
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Evergreen / Deciduous
- Deciduous
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Autumn Colour
- Yellow
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Leaf Colour
- Green
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Foliage
- Dense
- Early to Leaf
- Small leaves
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Flower Colour
- Red and White
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Flowering Type
- Single
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Flowering Month
- April
- May
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Berries / Fruit Colour
- Red
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Uses
- Screening
- Parkland Tree
- Garden Tree
- Small garden Tree
- City/Urban Sites
- Bird Food
- Bee Friendly
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Scent
- Scented Flowers
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Thorny
- Yes
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Season
- Spring
- Summer
Aftercare
Pruning Crataegus Crimson Cloud
Crataegus Crimson Cloud can be a very dense tree so you may find stems to be congested; simply remove these in winter, cutting back to an outward facing bud as this will limit congestion on regrowth. Crataegus can be pruned to maintain a certain size or form, one of the reasons they are ideal for hedging. To keep a neat outline, light prune in spring once flowering has finished.
What time of year should I prune? Prune in winter or after flowering.
For the continued healthy growth of your trees, shrubs or hedging it is vital that you follow the advice below.
Watering
The main reason that plants die within 12 months of having been planted is lack of water. It is essential throughout the spring and summer, to give a heavy enough watering to enable the water to penetrate right down to the deepest root level of the tree. In hot dry spells give the equivalent of 2 bucketfuls every three days.
Weed Control
One of the most common causes of lack of water is competition from grass. When trees are first establishing, the grass roots would be at the same level as the tree roots and are far more efficient at taking up water and thus choke the tree. It is vital that for at least 3 years after planting your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass.
- Mulch mats are an effective way to stop grass and weeds, although they will require a careful eye to make sure they continue to work. After clearing the ground around the tree, firmly fit the mat by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this. Be careful not to allow the woodchip to touch the stem as it can cause rot.
- Weed killer is very effective, however it is harmful to the environment. Organic weed killers usually do not kill roots. Weed killer needs to be applied each year for the first 3 years, preferably when the tree is dormant, or just once before applying a mulch mat.
- Mowing or strimming is NOT an answer to the problem. Each time you mow, the grass will grow back more vigorously and strimming invariably leads to lacerated trunks.
Staking
If trees are not correctly secured they will rock in the planting pit. Roots not firmly in contact with the soil are unable to take up moisture and nutrients, resulting in die back or death of the tree. Check, particularly after windy weather, that stakes are still solidly in the ground keeping the base of the trunk firm. The purpose of the stakes is to anchor the roots. Flexing in the wind, higher up the trunk, is not necessarily a problem if the roots are firm.
Bellow is list of the correct system to use to secure your trees.
- 40/60, 60/80, 80/100 whips - Unless rabbit/deer problem no need to stake.
- 100/125, 125/150 1.2m Cane and Easi tie.
- 150/175 1.2m square stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
- 175/250, 6/8, 8/10 15L 1.65 Tree stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
- All larger trees. 2 x 1.65 Tree stake and cross rail with 38mm cushion spacer and 1m of 38mm strapping.
Ties
Always use our recommended tree ties or strapping. These are designed and manufactured with the correct amount of give to hold the tree firm without strangling it. They should be checked at the end of each growing season for adjustment as the trunk thickens. Non proprietary materials such as baler twine will cut into the bark and should not be used.
Protection from Animal Damage
Rabbits, deer, sheep, cattle and horses can all potentially damage trees. Ask us for advice on the most appropriate guards for your trees or hedge. Squirrels are also a terrible pest when trees get to about 20ft tall but there is no protection available.
Are the delivery costs the same no matter how many plants I order?
Yes the delivery costs stay the same no matter how many plants you have on your order. They are worked out based on your distance from our nursery and can be found here.