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Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ – Paul’s Scarlet Hawthorn

About Your New Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ – Paul’s Scarlet Hawthorn

Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’, the Paul’s Scarlet Hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree with a rounded, densely twiggy canopy and dark green lobed leaves. In spring the branches carry masses of double crimson to deep pink flowers held in tight clusters. The stems are thorny, as they are on all hawthorns.

Plant it in full sun in almost any soil that drains, clay included, and water through the first two summers. It suits cool and cold temperate districts, needs winter chill to flower well, and is hardy to sharp frost. Growth is moderate at 20 to 40 centimetres a year, and it tolerates wind and dry spells once settled.

It goes in as a small feature tree in gardens and civic landscapes, and in avenues along footpaths and driveways where a low canopy is needed under power lines. The double flowers set little or no fruit, so litter on paving is minimal. That mix of size, spring colour and toughness suits tight urban sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Paul’s Scarlet Hawthorn

What is Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’?

It is a double flowered cultivar of the English hawthorn, grown as a small ornamental deciduous tree. The spring flowers are deep crimson to rich pink and fully double, so they hold on the tree longer than single hawthorn blossom. The canopy is rounded and dense, and the branches carry thorns.

How big does Paul’s Scarlet Hawthorn grow?

Mature trees reach 4 to 6 metres tall and about 4 metres wide in Australian gardens, forming a rounded crown on a short trunk. It is genuinely a small tree rather than a large shrub, and final height depends on soil depth and water. That scale suits front gardens, verges and courtyards.

How fast does it grow?

Moderately, at roughly 20 to 40 centimetres a year once established, so it takes several years from planting to reach full size. Growth is quickest in deep, moist soil in a cool climate, and slower in shallow or dry ground. Planting an advanced tree shortens the wait for a flowering canopy considerably.

When does it flower?

In spring, generally from September through to November depending on the district, with the display lasting two to three weeks. Flowers open on wood formed the previous season, after the new leaves emerge, so pruning at the wrong time costs you the display. Cold winters and full sun produce the heaviest flowering.

Where does it grow best in Australia?

Cool and temperate districts suit it best: Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT, the tablelands of New South Wales, the Adelaide Hills and the south west of Western Australia. It needs winter chill to set a strong crop of flower buds, so it is not a tree for the tropics or the humid subtropics.

How far apart should I plant it for an avenue?

Space trees 3 metres apart for a uniform avenue where the canopies knit together, and 3 to 4 metres apart where each tree is meant to develop its full rounded form as a feature. Set them back from narrow footpaths so the thorny lower branches do not overhang where people walk.

How do I prune and care for it?

Prune straight after flowering in late spring, taking out crossing stems, water shoots and dead wood, and lift the lower branches to keep the canopy above head height. Mulch well and water through dry summers for the first few years. Feed in early spring. Wear gloves, because the thorns are sharp.

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Uses in my Garden

  • Feature Tree
  • Avenue Planting
  • Council or Civic Landscapes

Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ – Paul’s Scarlet Hawthorn works in an:

  • Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
  • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
  • Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
  • Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
  • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

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