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Crimson Cloud English Hawthorn

Crataegus laevigata 'Crimson Cloud'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

50-150 years

Native To

Europe (species)

Toxicity

Fruit is edible but seeds are toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Crataegus laevigata, the English or Midland Hawthorn, is a small, thorny deciduous tree native to Europe, known for its deep cultural history and use in hedging. 'Crimson Cloud' is a superior cultivar celebrated for its masses of single, crimson-pink flowers with striking white centers. It is also noted for being nearly thornless and having good resistance to leaf blight.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Crimson Cloud is a spectacular small flowering tree, prized for its breathtaking spring display of vibrant crimson flowers with white centers that completely cover the branches. Its lobed, glossy green leaves, small red fall fruits, and rounded form provide beauty in other seasons as well.

With its modest size and tidy, rounded habit, it is an excellent choice for smaller residential landscapes, as a street tree, or near a patio. Being nearly thornless makes it a much safer and more user-friendly option than many other hawthorns.

The flowers are a valuable nectar and pollen source for bees and other pollinators. The small red fruits, or 'haws', persist into fall and are eaten by a variety of songbirds, including finches, waxwings, and thrushes.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun.
This tree is adaptable to most soil types, but prefers good drainage.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water deeply.
Mulch around the tree, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun for the most prolific and vibrant flower display; flowering will be significantly reduced in shady conditions.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first few seasons to establish roots.
Provide good air circulation to minimize disease risk.
Prune to develop an open, vase-like structure.
Clean up fallen leaves and fruit to reduce disease carryover.

Don't

Don't plant near Eastern Red Cedars (junipers) to avoid cedar-hawthorn rust.
Avoid planting in poorly drained or constantly wet soils.
Do not over-fertilize, which can encourage weak growth.
Refrain from heavy pruning, which can reduce flowering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Outstanding flowering specimen treePerfect for small yards and cottage gardensHardy and attractive street tree

Companion Plants

Syringa vulgaris Paeonia Iris germanica Nepeta x faassenii Geranium 'Rozanne'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Crimson Cloud English Hawthorn questions

What zones can Crimson Cloud English Hawthorn grow in?

Crimson Cloud English Hawthorn is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Crimson Cloud English Hawthorn deer resistant?

Yes — Crimson Cloud English Hawthorn is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Crimson Cloud English Hawthorn bloom?

Crimson Cloud English Hawthorn typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Crimson Cloud English Hawthorn need full sun?

Crimson Cloud English Hawthorn does best in full sun (6+ hours).