green hawthorn
Crataegus viridis 'Winter King'
Overview
The green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis 'Winter King') is an amazing plant species due to its cold hardiness. This deciduous shrub has a spectacular golden-yellow color in the winter months that stands out in the snow and makes for an excellent focal point in the landscape. Its white-pink blossoms in mid-spring are also a beautiful addition. With its moderate growth rate, it is easy to maintain, and the glossy green leaves turn to shades of yellow and red in the autumn months. This vibrant shrub offers delightful shapes and colors to any landscape, while also being a hardy species.
Care Guide
Watering
Green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis 'Winter King') should be watered regularly but not overly. Water the soil deeply when it is dry to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Water should be applied when the top inch of soil feels dry. Depending on the temperature and the frequency of rainfall, Green hawthorn may need to be watered roughly once to twice a week. It is important to avoid overwatering this plant, as it may cause root rot or other diseases. Avoid sprinkling water on the leaves, as this can cause fungal diseases.
Light
Green Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis 'Winter King') requires full sun for at least 8 hours a day. It prefers some afternoon shade, however, as direct sun can scorch its delicate leaves. Strong winds should also be avoided, as it can cause premature leaf drop. Some light afternoon shade can actually provide better flowering and fruiting for this plant species.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 4–7.
Pruning
Green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis 'Winter King') should be pruned while dormant in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be limited to removing dead, diseased, or damaged limbs, as well as thinning out crossing limbs to promote air circulation. Remove 1-third to 1-half of the older wood while avoiding cutting back into large woody stems or the smaller twigs within the crown of the shrub. Avoid over-pruning, as this may reduce flowering the following spring. After pruning is complete, apply a mild fertilizer to promote healthy new growth.
Propagation
Grafting Propagation, Layering Propagation, Cutting, Air Layering Propagation, Tissue Culture
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies.
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