Winter King Hawthorn

Native to North America, the hawthorn is a is an hardy tree that is often underutilized by gardeners and landscapers. The spring blooms of hawthorn trees are comparable to that of a white crabapple, except they come in a lower maintenance tree that is hardy in a wider range of conditions. Hawthorn trees have an excellent ornamental shape, maintaining the classic oval tree shape more consistently than many other mid-sized ornamental trees (20-35 ft.). They are a great alternative to the Bradford or Cleveland Pear trees that have invaded the North American landscape. Winter King is one of the most desirable cultivars for landscaping, as it has a profusion of blooms and typically lacks thorns. While any thorns that it does develop tend to be small and pliable. Late fall to winter is another time that hawthorn trees shine. Exfoliating bark that exposes orange coloration underneath as the tree matures and the multitude of flowers in the spring yield brightly colored small red fruit comparable to a holly. Similar to the fruit on a holly or dogwood, this fruit is a welcome feast for birds and other wildlife that winter in your area, while the bark adds texture and color to the garden. Hawthorn trees have good fall color, with leaves transforming from deep greens to purples and dark reds. Hawthorn trees are quite under-appreciated, they the winter king is fairly disease resistant and they provide plentiful white flowers comparable to a flowering Pear or Crabapple. Why wait, set the standard for your neighborhood and make the switch to a Winter King Hawthorn today.

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.