Flowering Hawthorn 💗🌸

CRATAEGUS laevigata 'Pauls Scarlett' - Flower - November

‘Paul’s Scarlet’ reportedly started as a branch sport in about 1858.  A most peculiar name and decidedly not a sport in any sense of the word, ‘branch sport’ (or ‘sport branch’) describes a part of the plant that differs in shape and colour from the structure of the rest of the plant.  It simply stands out and does its own thing.

CRATAEGUS laevigata 'Pauls Scarlet' - Donovan Park, November

This particular Hawthorn might not do that now, but there remains a certain rustic beauty when it is in bloom.  The clusters of scarlet-red rosette flowers, which first appear in late spring, have a slightly rebellious feel to them. This aesthetic is simply stunning, producing long, searching splashes of red that contrast so well against virtually any backdrop.

As would be expected of a tree with such a seemingly independent nature, it’s hardy and not to be easily messed with.  This is extended to the autumn colour, which clings to the glossy 3 to 5 lobed leaves.  It makes for an impactful avenue or street tree, but also ideal in feature or group planting.  This variety is a special sterile selection of Flowering Hawthorn, so will not produce berries or seeds. Paul’s Scarlet will grow to 5 -7m and is deciduous.

Nice avenue of Cratagus ‘Pauls Scarlet’ and a white variety at Donovan Park, Invercargill.

CRATAEGUS laevigata 'Pauls Scarlett' 30lt - November

CRATAEGUS laevigata ‘Pauls Scarlet’ – Scarlet Hawthorn, 30lt grade at 2.5-3m (approx 5 years old)

CRATAEGUS laevigata 'Pauls Scarlet' - Queenstown, November

Beautiful specimens at a property in Queenstown.

Crataegus Pauls Scarlett 80lt - Nov 2020 (1)

CRATAEGUS laevigata ‘Pauls Scarlet’ – Scarlet Hawthorn, 80lt grade at 3.5m, (approx 8 years old)
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