From the beginning of May they bloom again in numerous gardens and parks - magnificent trees, covered with white flowers, up to five meters high. It's hard to believe that these are the same plants that can just as easily form an impenetrable hedge with long thorns.
In autumn, the dreamy white flowers are transformed into a myriad of tiny red fruits, which not only make a tasty compote, but are even said to have healing properties. We are talking about the hawthorn, a beautiful and easy-care ornamental tree that you can easily plant yourself.
Choosing the right hawthorn
In nurseries and garden centers you will find a large number of different types of hawthorn. Occasionally the plant is sold under the names hedge thorn, whitebeam tree or fence thorn. For the botanical layman, the individual species are difficult to distinguish, especially since they form numerous hybrids with each other.
The indigenous hawthorn is ideal as a hedge plant due to its good prunability. If you are planning to plant free-standing hawthorn bushes, it is best to opt for Asian or North American species. These are particularly noticeable in autumn with their significantly larger and more decorative fruits.
Be sure to buy young plants as they grow far more easily than older specimens.
Plant hawthorn properly
Like all ornamental trees, hawthorns are best planted in spring or autumn before the first frost. Container plants are the easiest to work with. Dig a sufficiently large planting hole and place the root ball and attached soil in it. After filling with garden soil, do not forget to press it down well and water the new plant extensively.
Ordinary garden soil is sufficient for planting, a special substrate is not necessary. Hawthorns are generally quite frugal in their soil requirements, with a loamy soil usually favoring their growth.
A hawthorn's favorite location is full sun. Most plants can even cope with heat build-up without any problems. Although many plants are sold as shade plants, they remain rather small when not in direct sun.
Hawthorns as useful plants
The hawthorn has a centuries-long tradition as a medicinal plant. Hawthorn broth is considered to stimulate blood circulation and strengthen the heart. You can use all parts of the plant for teas and tinctures.
In addition, a tasty jam can be made from the red fruits of the hawthorn in autumn.