Summer 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.

Ericaceous compost is a type of specialized compost that is formulated for plants that thrive in acid soils. The term "ericaceous" originates from the botanical family Ericaceae, which includes plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, and heathers, all of which prefer acidic growing conditions. Here's what you need to know about ericaceous compost: pH Level: The primary characteristic of ericaceous compost is its low pH level, usually within the range of 4.5 to 6.0. This makes it suitable for acid-loving plants. Content: Ericaceous compost typically doesn't contain any lime, which is often added to standard composts to raise the pH. Instead, it may contain ingredients like peat or coir, which are naturally acidic. Benefits: For plants that thrive in acidic soils, ericaceous compost provides the right pH environment for nutrient uptake. Many essential nutrients become less available to plants in alkaline conditions, so using the right type of compost is crucial for the health of these plants. Limitation: It's important to note that ericaceous compost isn't suitable for all plants. If used for plants that prefer neutral to alkaline soils, it can hinder their growth and overall health. Alternative to Peat: Due to environmental concerns related to the extraction of peat from peat bogs, there has been a push to use alternatives. Coir (coconut fiber) is one such alternative that's being used in some ericaceous composts. Other organic matter like composted bark or composted bracken can also be used. Regular Monitoring: If you're growing acid-loving plants in pots or containers, it's a good idea to periodically test the pH of the compost. Over time, the pH can change, especially if you're using tap water for irrigation, as it's often alkaline. If you're looking to grow acid-loving plants, using ericaceous compost is an excellent way to provide them with the best growing conditions, especially if your native soil isn't naturally acidic.

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”.