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How to Grow Hawthorn 'Paul's Scarlet'

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Hawthorn 'Paul's Scarlet'

Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'

shrub

'Paul's Scarlet' is a stunning ornamental hawthorn cultivar prized for its vibrant double scarlet-red flowers that bloom in spring. This deciduous shrub grows as a small tree or large shrub, reaching 20-25 feet tall, with dense branching and attractive thorns. It's excellent for hedging, specimen plantings, and wildlife gardens.

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Example Hawthorn 'Paul's Scarlet' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Hawthorn 'Paul's Scarlet'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Hawthorn 'Paul's Scarlet'

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hawthorn 'Paul's Scarlet' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but flowers best in full sun
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Water: Moderate water needs once established. Water regularly during first year to establish deep roots. Drought tolerant once mature. Avoid waterlogged soils.
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Spacing: 48 inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable (perennial woody shrub); reaches ornamental maturity in 3-5 years
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; ensure crown is at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to clay loam soil; adaptable to poor soils
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost at planting Peat moss for moisture retention in sandy soils Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 4-8, with best performance in zones 5-7

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

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First year

Young transplant with woody stems and emerging branches; foliage is sparse and growth is slow initially

Water deeply twice weekly during first growing season. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base (keep away from trunk). Stake if in windy location. Avoid fertilizing; allow plant to acclimate.

2

Vegetative Growth

Years 2-3

Plant develops branching framework and foliage; thorny stems become more prominent; growth accelerates after first year

Reduce watering frequency as roots establish. Prune to shape in late winter (dormancy). Remove any crossing or damaged branches. Maintain mulch layer.

3

Pre-Flowering

Years 3-4

Plant reaches mature size and branch structure; buds begin forming in late winter/early spring on previous year's growth

Avoid heavy pruning that removes flower buds. Light shaping only. Ensure adequate sunlight exposure. Continue regular watering during dry spells.

4

Flowering

3-4 weeks in spring (April-May)

Profuse double scarlet-red flowers cover branches in mid to late spring; flowers are slightly fragrant and attract pollinators

Do not prune during flowering. Enjoy the display and allow flowers to develop into fruit if desired. Monitor for pests that feed on flowers.

5

Fruiting & Dormancy

Summer through winter dormancy (6 months)

After flowering, small red fruit (haws) develop and persist into fall; foliage turns reddish in autumn before leaf drop; plant becomes dormant in winter

Leave fruit on plant for wildlife benefit and ornamental value. Prune in late winter while dormant. Apply dormant oil spray if pest issues noted. No watering needed once dormant.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Serviceberry Dogwood Juniper Viburnum Barberry Spirea Ornamental grasses Shade-tolerant perennials beneath canopy

Avoid planting near:

Apple trees (same disease susceptibility to fire blight) Pear trees (same disease susceptibility) Other Crataegus species in commercial orchards

Common Pests

  • Prune infected branches 12 inches below visible damage in dormancy. Disinfect pruners between cuts. Avoid overfertilizing. Plant resistant varieties when possible.

  • Remove and destroy infested leaves in early summer. Not usually serious. Tolerant pruning helps. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer that promotes tender growth.

  • Ensure good air circulation through canopy. Remove affected leaves. Apply fungicide in spring if severe. Avoid overhead watering.

  • Strong water spray to dislodge. Miticide if population severe. Increase humidity. Plant in partly shaded location if in very hot regions.

  • Apply horticultural oil spray in dormancy. Prune heavily infested branches. Hand-remove if infestation mild.

Uses

🦋

Wildlife Shelter & Food

Wildlife

Dense thorny branches provide excellent nesting and roosting habitat for birds. Red fruit (haws) are eaten by thrushes, waxwings, and other birds in fall and winter, supporting wildlife through harsh seasons. [source]

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Heart Health Traditional Use

Medicinal

Hawthorn species have long been used in herbal medicine, particularly for cardiovascular support. The berries, leaves, and flowers contain flavonoids and proanthocyanidins with potential heart-supporting properties. [source]

🍳

Hawthorn Berry Preparation

Culinary

The small red fruit (haws) can be used to make jams, jellies, syrups, and teas. They have a slightly tart flavor and are traditionally harvested in autumn after frost. [source]

🏠

Ornamental Specimen & Screening

Household

'Paul's Scarlet' is prized as a standalone landscape specimen showcasing brilliant spring flowers, and also serves as an effective thorny hedge for security screening and wildlife habitat. [source]

🎨

Traditional Hedgerow Use

Craft

Historically planted extensively in European hedgerows for boundary marking and stock containment. The dense thorny growth and longevity (can live 200+ years) made it ideal for traditional agricultural landscapes. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Not a food crop. For ornamental purposes: enjoy flowers in spring without harvesting; leave fruit (haws) on plant for wildlife and autumn color. Cut flowers are short-lived (2-3 days). For floral arrangements, harvest flower clusters in early morning when fully open.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Hawthorn is the national flower of Ireland and holds significant cultural importance in Celtic tradition; it was believed to mark fairy gathering places and was never cut down casually.
  • 🌱 'Paul's Scarlet' produces sterile double flowers, meaning it develops little or no fruit compared to single-flowered hawthorn species—a trade-off for more abundant blooms and cleaner landscape appearance.
  • 🌱 Hawthorn can live for 200-300 years or more, making it one of the longest-lived ornamental shrubs; some wild hawthorns in Europe are estimated to be over 500 years old.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant
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