How to Grow Paul's Scarlet
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Paul's Scarlet
Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'
treePaul's Scarlet is a deciduous ornamental hawthorn tree prized for its abundant double red flowers that bloom in spring. This compact, dense tree is ideal for small gardens and urban landscapes, offering seasonal interest with vibrant blooms and attractive foliage. It's a low-maintenance, disease-resistant variety that provides year-round architectural appeal.
When should you plant Paul's Scarlet in your zone?
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Example Paul's Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Paul's Scarlet
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Paul's Scarlet
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Paul's Scarlet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, with best performance in zones 5-8
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Get my Paul's Scarlet timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First yearYoung tree with developing root system; may be 4-6 feet tall at planting
Water deeply and regularly; mulch around base; avoid staking unless in windy location; protect from herbicide drift
Vegetative Growth
Years 2-5Developing dense branching structure; glossy dark green foliage; slowly increasing in height and width
Prune only to shape and remove dead/diseased branches; thin crowded branches for air circulation; fertilize sparingly
Flowering
2-3 weeks, typically late April to May depending on regionAbundant double red/crimson flowers cover branches in mid-spring before or with leaf emergence; dense floral display
Avoid heavy pruning during flowering; do not deadhead as small red haws may form; ensure adequate moisture
Fruiting
Summer through winterSmall red haws (fruit) develop after flowering; sparse in Paul's Scarlet due to double flowers; attractive ornamental berries
Minimal care needed; haws persist into winter providing wildlife food and visual interest
Dormancy
November through MarchBare branches in winter; architectural branching structure remains attractive; fully deciduous
Winter pruning acceptable when tree is dormant; remove any crossing or diseased branches; no watering needed
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune infected branches 12 inches below damage; sterilize tools; choose disease-resistant cultivars; rarely severe on Paul's Scarlet
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Remove and destroy infested leaves early in season; insecticidal soap in spring; usually cosmetic damage only
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Spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators; rarely requires treatment
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Increase humidity with spray; insecticidal soap; occurs mainly in hot, dry summers
Uses
Spring Ornamental Display
CraftPaul's Scarlet produces abundant double red flowers in spring that create a stunning focal point in landscapes. The dense, compact growth habit and long flowering period make it ideal for specimen plantings, small gardens, and urban courtyards. [source]
Wildlife Support and Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeHawthorn flowers attract pollinators including bees and butterflies in spring. The small red haws produced provide food for birds in fall and winter, supporting migratory species and winter-resident birds. [source]
Landscape Architecture and Structure
HouseholdThe naturally dense, broadly conical growth habit provides year-round structure to gardens. Winter branching pattern is ornamentally valuable, and the tree requires minimal pruning, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. [source]
Traditional Hawthorn Medicine
MedicinalHawthorn species have long been used in traditional herbalism for cardiovascular support. While Paul's Scarlet is primarily ornamental, it's botanically related to medicinal hawthorn species valued in herbal preparations. [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 is an ornamental tree; no harvest of edible products. Enjoy the spectacular spring flowers and allow small haws to remain on tree for wildlife and winter interest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Paul's Scarlet hawthorn was selected and named in France in the 1860s and remains a premier ornamental cultivar over 150 years later
- 🌱 The double flowers (more petals than typical single hawthorn flowers) make it sterile or near-sterile, producing few if any seeds, but this also ensures continuous flowering without energy devoted to fruit production
- 🌱 In European folklore, hawthorn was considered a sacred tree and symbol of hope, often planted near homes and churches for both spiritual and practical purposes
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