Harry’s Tree of the Week – Scarlet Hawthorn

This week we have a tree with an interesting behind the scenes story. As many older tree varieties do, there is a long line of history hidden beneath its pink petals. It would be far too much for this email, and we wouldn’t like to bore you! So without further ado, we have a story behind the name of ‘Pauls Scarlet’…

Crataegus Pauls Scarlet, Queenstown, November 2020

Established tree of Crataegus ‘Pauls Scarlet’ – Scarlet Hawthorn

Paul is the surname of famous nurseryman brothers, known for their Victorian roses. The two at one point, fell out and started rival nurseries. Crataegus (Hawthorn), being a part of the Roseacae family, was something they both grew. Since this variety was named after themselves, it turned rather awkward when they went their separate ways.

Fortunately, the ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ survived the drama to unleash its very own in gardens, for those clusters of scarlet-red rosette flowers are striking and intense.

CRATAEGUS laevigata ‘Pauls Scarlet’ – Scarlet Flowering Hawthorn

Crataegus Pauls Scarlett, 80lt, November 2023

The Scarlet Hawthorn is full of clusters of scarlet-red rosette flowers. A brilliant late-spring blossom.

The result is a brilliant show that’s suited to large statements, like street and avenue plantings.

When the Autumn colour fades, the low deviation of the branches forms a wonderful silhouette against cold, clear days. Deciduous, it will grow to 5-7m.

Key characteristics of ‘Pauls Scarlet’:

  • Fresh, green foliage through spring-summer. Golden-yellow autumn colour
  • Striking dark prink/red spring blossoms
  • Hardy ornamental tree
  • Sterile – non seeding variety
Crataegus Pauls Scarlett, 80lt, November 2023
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