Crataegus lavallei
Crataegus lavallei · Rosaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around crataegus lavallei and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- May to June, white flowers in corymbs
- Mature size
- 6 m tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20 °C
- Origin
- Horticultural hybrid (Crataegus pubescens × Crataegus crus-galli)
- Soil type
- Well-drained soils, tolerates limestone
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Let this Crataegus take its time: minimal pruning at first, then only light cleaning.
The common mistake
Pruning too early and too hard, thinking you're shaping it: you'll kill flowering for 3-4 years.
The pro's trick
Wait until late winter to clean up: persistent fruit feeds the birds.
Care
Light exposure
Lavalle hawthorn prefers full sun exposure to flower generously and develop a harmonious shape. It tolerates partial shade, but flowering will be less abundant. Avoid overly windy exposures that can damage its spring foliage.
Watering
Water needs are moderate once the plant is well established. Water regularly the first year after planting to encourage root development. Afterwards, watering during prolonged dry spells is sufficient; this species tolerates summer drought well.
Pruning
Perform light pruning in winter or after flowering to maintain balanced growth and thin out the crown. Remove dead or crossing branches. No drastic pruning is necessary; this hawthorn grows naturally into an attractive form without excessive maintenance.
Soil and preparation
Plant Lavalle hawthorn in well-drained, humus-rich or neutral to alkaline soil. Loosen the planting hole and work in decomposed compost. This species adapts to most soils, including chalky ones, making it an undemanding plant.
Fertilization
No fertilizer is strictly necessary if the soil is properly prepared at planting time. A layer of well-decomposed compost at the base in autumn is sufficient to maintain fertility. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
Lavalle hawthorn is generally robust and rarely affected by diseases. Watch for powdery mildew and rust in case of stagnant humidity. Good air circulation and avoiding foliage watering limit these risks; chemical treatment is usually not required.
Did you know?
Lavalle hawthorn owes its name to French horticulturist Alphonse Lavallée (1808–1884), who contributed to the development of many fruit and ornamental cultivars. This hybrid variety is prized for its persistent scarlet-red fruits, which remain on the tree long after leaf fall, providing a lasting autumn display and feeding birds throughout winter.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.