Flowering Trees

Regular and proper pruning is a way to keep your hawthorn trees healthy and attractive. With a bit of routine care, your plants will grow vigorously but still be neat and manageable. This simple and practical guide explains why, when, and how to prune hawthorn trees to keep them healthy and beautiful. Key points to keep in mind: Do not prune until the plant is well-established Shape and structure the plant while it is still young Prune every 3-5 years during the dormant period Prune hawthorn trees lightly Why Prune a Hawthorn Tree? Pruning is an essential part of caring for any tree and hawthorns are no exception. While they tend to develop a strong structure naturally, regular pruning offers many benefits for the tree’s health and appearance. Here is why pruning is important: To improve overall health: Removing dead, diseased, and damaged branches allows the tree to focus its energy on healthy growth. To maintain the shape: Pruning keeps the tree or hedge neat, good-looking, and visually pleasing. To encourage new growth: Cutting back branches stimulates fresh growth which leads to a fuller, more vibrant tree. To enhance flowering and fruit production: Pruning also helps the tree direct its resources toward producing more flowers and fruit. To improve air and light circulation: Thinning the canopy allows sunlight and air to reach deeper into the tree which reduces moisture build-up. To lower the risk of pests and fungal infections: Overcrowded branches can create shaded and damp areas which are ideal for pests and diseases. When to Prune Hawthorn Trees? The best time for maintenance pruning of hawthorn trees is late winter or early spring. After planting a hawthorn tree, let it grow naturally for a while before you prune it for the first time, usually until it reaches 1.5 - 2m in height. If you start pruning too early, you may slow down the tree’s growth. That’s why it’s best to wait and let the tree establish itself first.Once your hawthorn tree is established, you can start shaping it by removing crossing or crowded branches, suckers, and water sprouts. If you want a well-trained tree, you need to create a single leader with branches growing outward. To achieve this, lower branches should be gradually removed over several years. Taking off just a few each year helps prevent stressing the tree too much.Mature trees only need pruning every 3 to 5 years. You should still remove water sprouts, suckers, damaged and diseased branches annually. Since hawthorn trees naturally form a sturdy structure, they don’t need much pruning.So when is the best time to prune a hawthorn tree? The best time for trimming hawthorn trees is in winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant. That prevents sap bleed, which can lead to disease or infection. You can also do some light shaping after flowering in late spring if needed. How to Prune Hawthorn Trees? To properly prune your hawthorn tree, follow these steps: Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches: This will ensure your tree stays healthy and strong. Cut close to the branch collar – where the branch meets the trunk. Avoid cutting flush with the trunk, as this can damage the tree. Thin the canopy: By cutting back overcrowded branches, you will improve light and air circulation throughout the tree and reduce the risk of disease and fungal infection. Cut lower branches: These branches need to be cut to maintain a strong, single trunk and a well-structured tree shape. Maintain shape and size: Keep the tree looking neat and attractive by trimming back branches. This will also encourage new growth. Make all cuts just above a lateral twig or bud that faces the direction you want the branch to grow. Care to Take When Pruning a Hawthorn Tree or Hedge Pruning hawthorn trees can be challenging because of their large thorns. Therefore, you must prepare protective clothing, sturdy gloves, and safety goggles. Pruning saws, loppers, and secateurs must be sharp and clean. You need to make clean cuts to reduce damage and minimise the risk of infection.It's also important to disinfect your tools between cuts, especially if you spot any diseased branches. You wouldn’t want to spread the disease throughout the tree or hedge. Also, remember not to over-prune and cause too much stress to the plant.

Crataegus laevigata ‘Plena’ / Double White Midland Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata ‘Plena’ is a rounded, thorny deciduous tree. It produces masses of scented double white flowers in the late spring\early summer. The oval green leaves turn yellow and red in the autumn. It also produces red berries, which are ideal for wildlife. Crataegus laevigata ‘Plena’ can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in an exposed or sheltered position. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil. It has an eventual  height of 4-8m and spread of 4-8m. Crataegus laevigata ‘Crimson Cloud’ Crataegus laevigata ‘Crimson Cloud’ is a beautiful small, deciduous tree. It is a variety of Midland Hawthorn, has sharp thorns on its branches and an almost weeping habit. It produces single dark red flowers in the spring. These have a pronounced white eye and are followed by red berries. The green leaves turn yellow and bronze in the autumn. Crataegus laevigata ‘Crimson Cloud’ is a very hardy tough ornamental tree, with an eventual height of 5m and spread of 4m. It will grow in most well drained soils.  It can survive on exposed, coastal (but be aware of how close to the coast you are), polluted and damp conditions. This tree is also good for wildlife. Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ is a small-medium deciduous tree. It produces double red flowers in the spring. The lobed glossy, small dark green leaves turn red in the autumn, when it also produces red fruits. Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ can be grown in full sun and partial shade. It can also be positioned in sheltered and exposed positions, and can withstand a little salt wind, so it is a tree that could be considered if you are near the coast. It is a tough tree, good for wildlife, with an eventual height of 4-8m and a spread of 4-8. Crataegus laevigata ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’ Crataegus laevigata ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’ is a deciduous, small flowering Hawthorn. The tree produces masses of double pink flowers in May. It has dark green, deeply lobed leaves. These turn yellow and bronze in the autumn. The red berries that appear in autumn are good for wildlife. Crataegus laevigata ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’ is a very hardy tree, an has sharp thorns. It is an ideal tree for a limited space and can withstand difficult conditions. These include coastal, exposed, polluted and damp conditions. This tree has an eventual height of 5m and width of 4m. Crataegus laevigata ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’ can also withstand heavy pruning. Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ is a variety of Cockspur Thorn. In our opinion it is one of the most attractive of all thorns. It  produces green, glossy leaves turning a blaze of orange\red\yellow in the autumn.  It produces masses of white flowers in May, followed by bunches of large, rich, red fruit from autumn onwards. A small tree that can stand heavy pruning, and an exceptional wildlife tree. A very  hardy tree – “as tough as old boots”.     

Prunus Shimidsu Sakura ‘Blushing Bride’ Prunus Shimidsu Sakura ‘Blushing Bride’ is a Japanese flowering cherry with an elegant spreading habit. Large double, delicate flowers hang down in large bunches in April-May. They open pink and fade to a bright white as the season progresses. Prunus Shimidsu Sakura ‘Blushing Bride’ is pollutant tolerant and is therefore good for urban areas. The green foliage turns orange and red in the autumn. Prunus Shimidsu Sakura ‘Blushing Bride’ cannot tolerate wet or shallow chalky soils. Prunus ‘Pandora’ Prunus ‘Pandora’ is a small deciduous tree with a broadly vase-shaped canopy and upright habit. Single, very pale pink flowers appear in spring, which are followed by green leaves, which turn pale yellow in the autumn. The young bark is a radiant brown. Prunus ‘Pandora’ has an eventual height of 8-12m and a spread of 4-8m. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil and can be planted in full sun in either a sheltered or exposed position. Prunus ‘Kanzan’ Prunus ‘Kanzan’ is a medium sized deciduous tree, with a broadly vase-shaped habit when young, but taking on a more spreading habit as the tree matures. In spring, large, purplish-pink double flowers appear which open from crimson buds. The bronze young foliage turns green in the summer. Prunus ‘Kanzan’ can be planted in full sun in either a sheltered or exposed position. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil and has an eventual height of 8-12m and a spread of 8m+. Prunus ‘Ukon’ Prunus ‘Ukon’ is a robust, ornamental cherry with a spreading habit.  It has creamy double flowers which open from pink buds in the spring.  The spring foliage is bronze which turns red and purple in the autumn.  Prunus ‘Ukon’ can tolerate most soils and will grow in full sun or partial shade, and is hardy.  It has an eventual height (in 20 years) of approximately 6m and a spread of approximately 4m. Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ / Winter flowering Cherry Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ is a small tree with semi-double pale pink flowers from November to March on bare branches. The flowers are followed by small fruits, which are good for birds. Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ has green foliage which turns shades of orange/yellow in the autumn. It is ideal for small gardens and is pollution tolerant, so is a tree suitable for urban areas. It will thrive in most conditions, but does not like wet soil or shallow chalk. Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ can be planted in a sunny location, with little or no protection. Prunus serrula / Tibetan Cherry Prunus serrula is a small, deciduous spreading tree. The outstanding mahogany\red bark is the main feature of this tree in the winter when all the leaves are off. Prunus serrula  has mid-green leaves which turn orange\yellow in the autumn. Prunus serrula produces small clusters of white flowers in the spring but they are virtually concealed by the narrow, willow-like leaves. Prunus serrula will grow in a sheltered or exposed position. It has an eventual height of 8-12m and a spread of 8m+. Prunus ‘Okame’ Prunus ‘Okame’ is a splendid small tree with ascending branches. These are covered with an abundance of shell pink single flowers in March and April. The dark green leaves turn orange and red in the autumn. It has an eventual  height of approximately 4m and a spread of 4m. It can therefore be considered for a small garden. Prunus ‘Okame’ can be planted in full sun, in a moist, fertile soil. It will not, however be happy in waterlogged or permanently wet conditions. It is tolerant of pollution and popular with bees. Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ / Flagpole Cherry Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ is a small, narrow column tree with upright branches.  It is ideal for a small garden, with an eventual height of approximately 19′.  In April, Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ produces clusters of large fragrant single or semi-double shell pink flowers. The foliage is bronze-green in the spring, turning to mid-green during the summer months, turning orange\red in the autumn.  Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ is very tolerant of pollution, so it is an ideal tree for urban areas. Prunus avium ‘Plena’ / Cherry Prunus avium ‘Plena’ is a medium sized deciduous, spreading tree. It produces pendulous clusters of pure white double flowers in the spring. The mid green leaves turn red and orange in the autumn. Prunus avium ‘Plena’ can be positioned in full sun, in a sheltered or exposed spot. It prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is a noticeable specimen with an eventual height of 8-12m and a spread of 8m+. Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ / Purple-leaved Plum Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ is a  small purple leaved tree. It flowers in early spring. The pale pink flowers emerge from a mass of pink buds. Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ is a massed branched, deciduous tree which is sometimes used for screening. It is a very easy tree to grow and can withstand hard pruning. Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ can produce plums, but when it feels like it! It is not therefore, a regular fruiting tree. It has an eventual height of 8m and a spread of 6m. Prunus ‘Kiku-shidare Sakura’ / ‘Cheal’s Weeping’ Prunus ‘Kiku-shidare Sakura’ is an ornamental, deciduous weeping tree more commonly known as ‘Cheal’s Weeping’. It produces double pink flowers in spring. These are followed by coppery-green leaves that turn deeper into spring and summer. The leaves turn bronze and orange in the autumn. Prunus ‘Kiku-shidare Sakura’ is an ideal tree for a small garden, with an eventual height of 3-5m. However, it does require room to spread its pendulous branches. Its graceful crown shape gives an architectural shape to the garden, whether planted as a specimen tree or part of a border. It can tolerate most soils, but does not like very wet, shallow or chalky conditions. This tree is a tough little tree and tolerant of pollution. Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’ Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’ is a small, spreading deciduous tree. It has deep wine\purple leaves which turn bright scarlet in the autumn. Double pink flowers appear in the spring. Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’ has an eventual height of 5m and a spread of 3m. It will not thrive in very wet or chalky soils. Prunus ‘Shirofugen’ Prunus ‘Shirofugen’ is a small deciduous flowering cherry. It is adorned in late spring with double pink\white flowers which emerge from pink buds. It is a vigorous and wide spreading tree. The leaves are coppery when young, turning green. These turn orange\red in the autumn. Prunus ‘Shirofugen’ can be planted in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. It has an eventual height and spread of 5-10m. Prunus ‘Shirotae’ / Mount Fuji Cherry Prunus ‘Shirotae’ is a small, deciduous  tree with wide-spreading horizontal or slightly drooping branches. This creates a spreading flat crown. The flowers are single to semi-double, fragrant snow white. They appear in large clusters and amass this beautiful tree. The young green foliage turn orange\red in the autumn. Prunus ‘Shirotae’ can be planted in full sun in an exposed or sheltered position. It has an eventual height and spread of 4-8m, and should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil. We are often asked what variety this tree is when its in its full state of flowering as it is so noticeable. Prunus x subhirtella ‘Pendula Rubra’ / Pink flowering Cherry Prunus x subhirtella ‘Pendula Rubra’ is a small deciduous tree. It has arching, pendulous branches which creates a weeping, graceful tree.  Single deep rose-pink flowers emerge in spring from red buds. The ovate green leaves turn orange and red in the autumn. This tree is ideal for a small garden and can be pruned to restrict its width. Prunus x subhirtella ‘Pendula Rubra’ can be planted in full sun in a sheltered or exposed position. It has an eventual height of 2.5m and a spread of 4m, and should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil. Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ / Great White Cherry Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ is a medium-large deciduous ornamental cherry tree. It has a broad, spreading crown. The young rich coppery-red leaves appear in spring, turning green in the summer. They turn yellow\orange in the autumn. Beautiful, large white flowers emerge in spring from pink buds. Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ can be planted in full sun in a sheltered or exposed position. It has an eventual height of 4-8m and a spread of 8m+. This tree is often known as the Great White Cherry. Prunus x yedoensis/Yoshino (Japanese) Cherry Prunus x yedoensis is a wide spreading deciduous tree. The ovate green leaves turn yellow\golden in the autumn. The flowers appear in spring and are almost white with pink stamens and a slight scent of almonds. Prunus x yedoensis can be planted in full sun in a sheltered or exposed position. It has an eventual height of 12m+ and a spread of 8m+ and should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil.