Hawthorn Hedging – Crataegus Monogyna

£2.49£68.79

Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as Hawthorn or May-Tree, is an indigenous British tree known for its robust nature and versatility, particularly as a hedging plant. A defining feature of the English countryside, it differs from many other trees due to its spiny branches, dense growth habit, and impressive longevity, with some known to survive for several centuries.

Hawthorn Hedging – Crataegus monogyna

Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as Hawthorn or May-Tree, is an indigenous British tree known for its robust nature and versatility, particularly as a hedging plant. A defining feature of the English countryside, it differs from many other trees due to its spiny branches, dense growth habit, and impressive longevity, with some known to survive for several centuries.

Description and Characteristics

Hawthorn is famed for its abundance of white or pinkish flowers that bloom in late spring (often May, hence the name May-Tree). The flowers are followed by small, shiny, deep red berries known as haws in autumn. Its dense, spreading growth, combined with its spiny branches, makes it an excellent choice for secure and wildlife-friendly hedging.

As a hedging plant, Hawthorn typically reaches a height of about 1-2 metres (3-6 feet) if regularly pruned. However, when left to grow freely as a tree, it can reach up to 15 metres (about 50 feet) with a similar spread, and can live for up to 400 years. Its growth rate is considered medium-fast, with an average of 40-60cm (15-24 inches) per year.

Flowering, Berries, and Reproduction

Crataegus monogyna produces clusters of small, fragrant, white or slightly pink flowers, each with five petals, which bloom in late spring. These flowers are hermaphroditic, meaning each flower contains both male and female reproductive structures, and are mainly pollinated by midges and other insects.

The flowers give way to the haws, which are deep red berries about 1cm in diameter. Each haw contains one or two seeds, and they are primarily dispersed by birds, which eat the haws and excrete the seeds.

Benefits to Wildlife

Hawthorn is a veritable wildlife haven. Its dense, thorny structure provides excellent nesting and roosting sites for birds, and its flowers are an abundant nectar source for bees and other insects. The haws provide an essential food source for many birds and small mammals during the winter months.

Ideal for British Gardens

In a British garden, Hawthorn hedging provides year-round interest – fresh green leaves in spring, abundant white blossoms in late spring, dense green foliage in summer, deep red berries in autumn, and an intricate network of thorny branches in winter. Its hardy nature and ability to tolerate a wide range of soils and conditions make it an ideal choice for many gardeners.

As a hedge, Hawthorn provides a dense, impenetrable barrier, excellent for privacy and security. Its traditional association with the British countryside also adds a touch of nostalgia and can help a garden blend with the surrounding landscape.

Distribution in the UK

Hawthorn is common throughout the UK. It is one of the primary components of hedgerows in rural areas, and is a common sight in woodlands, scrubland, and on chalky hillsides. It is especially prevalent in England and Wales.

In summary, Hawthorn is more than just a hedge. It’s a British icon, a protector of wildlife, a beacon of the changing seasons, and a testament to the resilience and enduring charm of nature.

Style

Full Standard, Boxhead, Feathered, Multi Stem, Pleached, Half Standard Pleached, Umbrella, Half Standard, Espalier, Mini Standard, Ball, Cone, Spiral, Cube, Cloud Form, Cube Spiral, Cube Multiball, Cube Ball Cone, Pom-pom, Lollipop, Archway, Twisted Stem, Triple Lollipop, Multiball 2, Multiball 3, Dome, Cylinder, Pyramid, Cylindrical Dome, Twisted Stem, Unique, Bonsai, Instant Hedge, Instant Screen, Hedging Plants, Young Tree, Regular Tree

Root Type

Pot Grown, Rootball, Bare Root

Height

15-30cm, 30-50cm, 50-70cm, 70-90cm, 90-110cm, 110-130cm, 130-150cm, 150-170cm, 170-200cm, 200-230cm, 230-250cm, 250-270cm, 270-300cm, 300-350cm, 350-400cm, 400-450cm, 450-500cm, 500-600cm, 600-700cm, 700-800cm, 10-20cm, 20-30cm, 30-40cm, 40-50cm, 50-60cm, 60-70cm, 70-80cm, 80-90cm, 90-100cm, 100-110cm, 110-120cm, 120-130cm, 130-140cm, 140-150cm

Stem Girth

4-6cm, 6-8cm, 8-10cm, 10-12cm, 12-14cm, 14-16cm, 16-18cm, 18-20cm, 20-22cm, 22-24cm, 24-26cm, 26-28cm, 28-30cm, 30-35cm, 35-40cm, 40-45cm, 45-50cm, 50-60cm, 60-70cm, N/A, 20-25cm, 25-30cm

Foliage Type

Deciduous

Origin

Native

Water Requirement

Moderate Watering

Growth Height

Medium Growing

Growth Speed

Moderate Growth

Costal Growing

Yes

Conifer?

No

Flowering?

Yes

Berries?

0

Thornes?

0

Hard Wood Cutbacks?

0

Fragrant

0

BUY MORE TO SAVE MORE!

Use any of the codes below at checkout to save on your plants.

Use Code: LARGE5 to get 5% off when you spend £500.

Use Code: LARGE7.5 to get 7.5% off when you spend £1000.

Use Code: LARGE10 to get 10% off when you spend £2000.

Use Code: LARGE15 to get 15% off when you spend £5000.

STANDARD DELIVERY TYPES

Box/Parcel – Used for plants sized 0-70cm, costs £12. Order £100 worth of plants of that size to qualify for free delivery! Parcel deliveries are always sent for next day delivery unless otherwise specified.

Pallet – Used for plants sized 71-230cm, costs £60. Order £350 worth of plants to qualify for free pallet delivery! We always send our pallets for next day delivery, unless requested otherwise.

Private Van – Used for plants sized 231cm and taller, costs £60. Order £350 worth to get free private van delivery!

In all cases you can request a private van delivery, where your plants are delivered by us. Upon your request we can re-evaluate your delivery fee and let you know of the delivery time.

Please note, for pallet and box deliveries we use third party companies to deliver the goods. Not often, but occasionally some delays may happen due to unforeseen circumstances, which are out of our control. For this reason, we ask you to never book gardeners, contractors, or other industry professionals for the estimated delivery date. Please do not book days off work or cancel other commitments specifically for your plant delivery to avoid disappointment.

Not home? No problem!

If you are not home at the time of your delivery, don’t worry! With your permission, we will instruct our trusted couriers to leave your plants in a safe place. If you have any requirements, or a preferred safe place for your plant delivery, please ensure to leave us a note along with your order, or simply give us a call.

Specialized Delivery

If you have any special requirements regarding your delivery, please add it to your order notes or call us on 01603 327269. Always include any delivery restrictions into your order note so appropriate vehicles and good carriers can be used to deliver your plants.

Please note that we currently are unable to deliver to Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland due to Brexit rules and regulations.

For more delivery information refer to our terms and conditions here.

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