| Crataegus viridis 'Winter
King' - is virtually the only commercial
form available for this species,
selected for near-thornlessness,
orange-gray trunk and silvery-gray
branches, vased growth habit, and
Winter-persistent red-orange fruits that
are larger than the species form; the
species form (Green Hawthorn) has a more
upright oval habit, numerous thorns,
fewer flowers and fruits, and a more
greenish, exfoliating bark Short
stature makes this a good selection for
tight spaces. Use as a hedge, single
specimen, screen, or mass planting are
all excellent possibilities. It is
usually best without a backdrop, but if
one is necessary, light colors are
superior or else the foliage becomes
lost in the background. If only planted
for winter interest, plantings in front
of dark evergreens such as yews or
hemlocks will stand out nicely.
(2) |
|
‘Winter King’ Green Hawthorn
is a North American native tree which slowly
reaches 20 to 30 feet in height and spread (Fig.
1). It is very dense and thorny which makes it a
popular choice for use as a hedge or as a
screen. Unlike other Hawthorns, the thorns are
small and inconspicuous. The dark green,
deciduous leaves turn beautiful shades of
bronze, red, and gold in the fall before
dropping. The handsome, silver-grey bark peels
off in sections to reveal the inner orange bark,
making ‘Winter King’ Green Hawthorn a striking
specimen planting in the winter landscape. The
white blooms are followed by large, orange/red
fruits which persist on the naked tree
throughout the winter, adding to its landscape
interest.
The tree was originally selected for the
outstanding winter berry color. The original
tree from which the cultivar was selected is
about 100 years old and 25 feet tall.
(1) |
|
1/4 to 1/2" in diameter,
the brilliant red fruit start forming in
late September or early October. They cover
the tree quite nicely, persisting through
the winter months.
Taxonomic description: Drupe, 1/4 to
1/2" wide, subglobose or short-ellipsoid,
red with yellow mealy flesh, 2-5 nutlets.
Opening in mid-May, the 2" clusters of
white 3/4" blossoms show up nicely against
the glossy green foliage. Like most members
of the family Rosaceae, each
individual flower has five petals, and like
most hawthorns, they tend to be somewhat
malodorous.
This beautiful tree is the ideal plant
for those wanting year-round interest in
their garden. Its small size lends itself to
even the smallest gardens, and its tolerance
in adverse conditions is admirable. Soils
can be of any type, although Winter King
hawthorns are happiest in loam. City
conditions don't seem to affect it either,
but it does require full sun.
(2) |
|
