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Hawthorn

Spontaneous in northern America, Asia and western Europe, this deciduous shrub is commonly used for hedges, thanks to the thick foliage and the thorny branches. The small leaves and the thick white, pink or red blossom, which generates orange or red berries in autumn, make it good for bonsai growing. Crataegus monogyna, the common hawthorn, produces sweet-smelling white flowers, while C. oxyacantha has originated different cultivars, even if it is not so widespread. Japanese Hawthorn (C. cuneata) produces white flowers and big red berries, which look like rosebush false fruits.

Sunlight. It bears strong winds well. Small bonsai trees need sore protection during winter.

Water it copiously every day during the vegetative season. Water it less frequently during winter, but do not let the soil get dry. The tree can become mouldy, so it needs to be sprinkled on the leaves.

Twice a month during the vegetative season.

Every year at the beginning of spring or in autumn, in base soil.

In spring pinch the top of the twigs to 2-3 leaves, using your fingers. Shape it, pruning the branches after the blossom or in late autumn after the fall of the leaves.

By seed, stratified in winter and sown in spring. By semi-wood cuttings in summer. For C.o. "Paul's Scarlet" the most common method is grafting at the end of winter or at the beginning of spring.

Suitable for all styles, apart from Formal Upright and Broom styles, and for all sizes.

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