How to Grow Hawthorn Paul's Scarlet

Hawthorn Paul's Scarlet

Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'

shrub

Paul's Scarlet hawthorn is a ornamental deciduous shrub prized for its spectacular double scarlet-red flowers that bloom in late spring. This compact cultivar offers stunning floral displays, attractive foliage, and wildlife benefits while remaining relatively low-maintenance. It's an excellent choice for hedging, specimen planting, or creating focal points in gardens.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight for best flowering

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Water: Moderate watering during establishment (first 1-2 years); drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging.

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Spacing: 48 inches

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Days to maturity: 1460-1825 (3-5 years to full flowering potential)

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; bare-root stock at depth of previous soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil, adaptable to most soil types

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or well-rotted manure at planting Sand if soil is heavy clay

Growing Zones

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Thrives in USDA zones 4-8; prefers cooler to temperate climates

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

Growth Stages

Establishment

6-12 months

Newly planted shrub focuses on root development with minimal top growth.

Water regularly to establish deep roots. Mulch around base. Avoid heavy pruning in first year. Monitor for transplant stress.

Vegetative Growth

1-2 years

Shrub develops branching structure with glossy green, lobed foliage and thorny stems.

Light pruning to shape in winter dormancy. Remove crossing or damaged branches. Maintain good air circulation. Fertilize minimally.

Pre-flowering

1-2 months before bloom

Mature buds form along stems; shrub reaches flowering-age size with dense branching.

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage blooming. Ensure adequate sunlight. Remove dead wood. Light pruning after flowering only.

Flowering

3-4 weeks

Spectacular display of double scarlet-red flowers in dense clusters along branches; typically late May to early June.

Do not prune during flowering. Deadheading is optional as flowers are sterile (rarely set fruit). Enjoy pollinator activity.

Post-flowering

5-7 months until dormancy

Flowers fade; foliage remains lush and green through summer and into fall; occasional small fruit may form.

Perform any necessary pruning within 2-3 weeks after flowering. Water during dry spells. Remove any diseased branches promptly.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Russian sage Catmint Foxglove Roses Clematis Butterfly bush Spiraea

Avoid planting near:

Fire blight-susceptible plants (pears, apples, cotoneaster) Junipers (alternate host for cedar-hawthorn rust)

Common Pests

Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in early summer; prune out heavily infested branches; encourage natural predators
Remove fallen fruit; apply spinosad-based sprays if infestation is severe; prune out damaged growth
Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water to dislodge; apply miticide if severe
Spray with dormant oil in late winter; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap during growing season if needed
Prune out affected branches 12 inches below visible damage; sterilize tools between cuts; apply copper fungicide; avoid excess nitrogen

Uses

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Ornamental hedging and screening

Household

Paul's Scarlet is excellent for creating dense, thorny hedges or screens with dramatic spring color. Its compact form and thorniness make it suitable for defensive hedging. [source]

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Pollinator and bird habitat

Wildlife

Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in spring. Thorny branches provide shelter and nesting sites for birds; occasional fruit feeds wildlife. [source]

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Hawthorn herbal medicine

Medicinal

Hawthorn species have long been used in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European herbalism. However, Paul's Scarlet is primarily ornamental; medicinal preparations typically use other Crataegus species. [source]

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Specimen planting and focal point

Household

As a single specimen plant, Paul's Scarlet hawthorn creates a stunning focal point with its vibrant spring blooms and attractive form. Excellent for small gardens or containers. [source]

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Cut flowers and floral arrangements

Craft

The long-lasting double scarlet flowers are excellent for cutting and bringing indoors for fresh or dried arrangements during spring bloom season. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Paul's Scarlet hawthorn is grown primarily for ornamental flowers, not harvest. Enjoy the spectacular blooms in late spring; cut stems can be brought indoors for floral arrangements. Occasionally small fruit develops but is not typically harvested—allow to remain on plant for wildlife benefit or remove for tidier appearance.

Fun Facts

🌱 Paul's Scarlet hawthorn produces sterile double flowers, meaning it rarely develops fruit—a characteristic that keeps the plant looking clean without messy berries, but it also means it doesn't support fruit-eating wildlife as much as single-flowered hawthorn species.
🌱 Hawthorn has been revered in European folklore for centuries, particularly in Celtic traditions where it symbolizes hope and renewal; thorny hawthorn was often planted as protective hedging around sacred sites and settlements.
🌱 Despite its ornamental focus, hawthorn is the national flower of both England and Canada, and various Crataegus species have been used in herbal medicine for heart health for over 2,000 years.

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