How to Grow Washington Hawthorn - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Washington hawthorn is a plant that is native to the eastern United States. It is a small tree or shrub that typically grows to be about 15 feet tall. The leaves of the Washington hawthorn are oblong and have a toothed margin. The flowers are white and bloom in the springtime. The fruit of the Washington hawthorn is a small, red drupe that is produced in the fall.

How to Grow Washington Hawthorn - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Crataegus phaenopyrum
  • Washington haw
  • Washington thorn
  • Washington-thorn
  • Washington prickle

Basic info

  • Washington Hawthorn is a deciduous tree that is native to North America.
  • It is also known as Crataegus phaenopyrum.
  • The tree grows to a height of 15-30 feet and has a spread of 15-25 feet.
  • The leaves are 2-4 inches long and are oval in shape. They are dark green in color and have a toothed margin.
  • The flowers are white or pink in color and have 5 petals. They are borne in clusters of 3-5 flowers.
  • The fruit is a small, red pome that is 1-2 cm in diameter.
  • The tree blooms in the months of May and June.
  • The fruit ripens in the months of September and October.
  • The wood of the tree is hard and close-grained. It is used in the manufacture of furniture and flooring.
  • The tree is tolerant of drought and clay soil. It is also resistant to diseases and insects.

Related plant:
Washingtonia Filifera

Growing Steps

  1. For washington hawthorn, first step is to remove the tree from the container.
  2. Secondly, place the tree in a hole that is twice the size of the container.
  3. After that, fill the hole with water and let it drain.
  4. Next, mix the soil with compost and fill the hole around the tree.
  5. Tamp down the soil around the tree.
  6. Then, water the tree deeply.
  7. Mulch around the tree.
  8. Fertilize the tree in spring.
  9. Prune the tree in late winter.
  10. Lastly, Enjoy your beautiful Washington Hawthorn!

The Soil

About soil condition, the Washington hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum) prefers deep, rich, moist soils but will grow in a range of soil types as long as they are well-drained. It will not tolerate waterlogged soils. Although it prefers full sun, it is tolerant of some shade.

About light

Similar to other trees, the Washington hawthorn needs sun to grow. However, it can also tolerate some shade, which means it can be a good choice for yards that don't get a lot of direct sunlight. This tree prefers well-drained soil, so be sure to avoid any areas that are too wet or too dry. With the right care, a Washington hawthorn can thrive and provide beauty to any landscape.

The Temperature

The temperature condition in Washington Hawthorn is perfect for growing crops all year round. The average temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius and rarely goes below 20 degrees Celsius. This makes it an ideal place for farmers to cultivate their crops. The area is also perfect for those who want to live in a warm climate.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. The Washington hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum) is a popular ornamental shrub in North America. It is prized for its showy white flowers and bright red fruits. The Washington hawthorn is native to the eastern United States, from Maine to Florida. This shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay soils. The Washington hawthorn is also tolerant of drought and salt. This shrub can grow to a height of 20 feet (6 meters) and a width of 15 feet (4.5 meters). It has a rounded shape with a dense growth habit. The Washington hawthorn has dark green leaves that are 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 cm) long and 1.5 to 2.5 inches (3.8 to 6.4 cm) wide. The leaves are alternate and serrated. The white flowers appear in spring, from April to May. They are followed by red fruits, which ripen in fall.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant isn't too picky. A general-purpose fertilizer will work just fine. As for the roots, they don't like to be disturbed, so it's best to plant the tree at its final location.

About light

Pruning is an important part of caring for a washington hawthorn. It helps to keep the tree healthy and looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches. You should also trim back any branches that are growing too close to the ground or that are rubbing against other branches.

The Propagation

Propagation is typically done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is firm, but not woody. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the potting mix moist but not wet and in a location with bright, indirect light. New roots should form within 4-8 weeks. Once rooted, the plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or outdoors.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate occurs during the spring and summer. However, this does not mean that the plant stops growing during the fall and winter. The plant growth rate during these seasons is much slower than during the spring and summer.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant include many plant diseases. Some of the diseases include canker, fire blight, powdery mildew, and rust. Many of these problems can be controlled with proper pruning techniques and the use of fungicides.

Basics of Growing

  • If you are growing Washington hawthorn from seed, start the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.
  • Sow the seeds on the surface of a sterile seed-starting mix and cover them with a thin layer of the mix.
  • Keep the seed-starting mix moist but not wet and place the container in a warm, bright location.
  • Washington hawthorn seeds will germinate in 21-30 days.
  • Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them so that each cell in the container has only one plant.
  • Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they have their first true leaves.
  • Grow the seedlings indoors for their first year.
  • Washington hawthorn can be planted outdoors in the spring of their second year.
  • Choose a planting site that has full sun and well-drained soil.
  • Space the plants 10

Alternative Plants

  • Hawthorn (hawthorn), genus Crataegus, flower plant of the rose family, found in temperate and cold regions of the North Hemisphere. There are about 250 known species. hawthorns form an important part of the timberline and understory of forests and woodland hedges. many species, including the Washington hawthorn, are planted as ornamentals. hawthorns are hardy, rapid-growing trees, with thick, dividing branches and small, simple leaves. In the spring, the trees produce showy clusters
  • Hawthorn (hawthorn), small, sharp-pointed fruit of several species of thorny bushes related to the rose family (Rosaceae), found in temperate areas of the North Hemisphere. The common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, bears small, oval, scarlet fruit known as haws. It has been cultivated for centuries for its fruit

Source:
WashingtonHawthorn - Bellarmine University
Washington Hawthorn | Glen Arboretum - Towson University
Washington Hawthorn, Crataegus phaenopyrum - Virginia Tech

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category