Crataegus monogyna ‘Stricta’ | Upright Hawthorn

Specification

Details

Botanical Name

Crataegus monogyna ‘Stricta’

Common Names

Upright Hawthorn, Columnar Hawthorn

Family

Rosaceae

Origin

Season

Features

Spring

Masses of creamy-white, lightly scented flowers attract bees and other pollinators.

Summer

Deeply lobed green foliage on an upright, tidy frame.

Autumn

Clusters of red haws ripen, providing colour and food for birds.

Winter

Feature

Benefit

Perfect for narrow spaces

Upright habit makes it ideal for small gardens, driveways, and avenues.

Native and wildlife-friendly

Supports pollinators in spring and provides berries for birds in autumn.

Strong year-round appeal

Flowers in spring, berries in autumn, and architectural winter structure.

Low maintenance

Hardy, drought-tolerant, and thrives in most soils with minimal care.

Pollution-tolerant

Pollution-tolerant

Step

Instructions

Planting Time

Bare-root: November–March. Container-grown: Can be planted year-round.

Spacing

Allow approx. 2–3 metres between trees when planting in rows or avenues.

Sunlight Position

Prefers full sun or partial shade for best flowering and fruiting.

Watering

Water regularly during the first year. Drought-tolerant once established.

Soil Type

Tolerates a wide range of soils, including chalky, clay, loamy, and sandy. Avoid waterlogged sites.

Fertilising

Not usually required. Use a balanced fertiliser in poor soils in early spring.

Mulching

Apply a 5–7 cm layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Issue

Solution

Pests

Generally pest-free, but may occasionally attract aphids or caterpillars. Rinse affected areas with water or introduce beneficial insects like ladybirds.

Diseases

Can be susceptible to fire blight or leaf spot. Prune affected growth and maintain good airflow around the tree.

Pruning

Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. Light shaping can be done after flowering if necessary.

Wildlife

Benefits

Pollinators

Spring flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.

Birds

Red haws provide a vital food source in autumn and early winter.

Habitat

Dense upright branches offer shelter and occasional nesting sites for small birds.