The Hawthorn (Crataegus Monogyna) is a fast growing, thorny native deciduous hedging plant, with dark glossy green leaves.
In spring, clusters of prominent scented white flowers burst into leaf within a few days of the initial buds appearing, followed by glossy red haws in autumn, which sustain out native birds. The leaves are 3,5 or 7 lobed, bright green tinged with red. Prune out old growth after flowering to encourage new stems that will bloom the following year, taking care not to remove flowering stems.
Hawthorn makes an excellent hedge with a long season of interest. Trim between July and March. For hedges 3-20ft (0.9-6m), plant 9-12ins (23-30cm) apart or for a denser or stock-proof hedge, plant in a staggered double row with 15ins (38cm) between rows and 19ins (45cm) between plants.
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