Crataegus monogyna 'Compacta'
hawthorn 'Compacta'
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
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
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
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.