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Crataegus monogyna 'Compacta'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A smaller form of hawthorn, reaching only around 2.5m high, and without thorns. This deciduous shrub has an upright habit and glossy dark green leaves, and produces fragrant, creamy white flowers in spring and dark red berries in autumn and winter. A good choice for dense hedging and for smaller gardens

Synonyms
Crataegus monogyna 'Inermis Compacta'
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green Yellow Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruit, usually grown as an ornamental shrub Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Crataegus are deciduous trees and shrubs, usually with spiny branches, lobed or toothed leaves, and clusters of creamy-white flowers followed by red or black fruits. Some have fine autumn colour

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any (not waterlogged) soil in full sun or part shade. Useful specimen trees for town, coastal or exposed gardens. See hawthorn cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by grafting in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars, aphids and gall mites

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight, honey fungus, crown gall, silver leaf, Powdery mildews and leaf spots

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