plant description
The common hawthorn grows in the temperate climates of Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America. Belongs to the Rosaceae family and includes many species. Reach a height of 5 to 15 meters. Very durable: there are plants that are even more than 100 years old.
Additional Information! The decorative value of hawthorn is mainly due to its abundant flowering, as well as ornamental fruits. In the garden, it is usually used to create hedges.
It has beautiful white and pink flowers in round umbels that appear from April to May. The flowers are typical of the Rosaceae family with five petals. Varieties with double flowers are very decorative.
Later, in September-October, the tree sheds its leaves, and the oval red fruits remain on the plant throughout the winter. This makes it decorative even in the coldest months.
Hawthorn fruits in most species are red, but there are also yellow or orange fruits. The fruits are edible and are harvested in September when the berries are red, but they are usually not eaten raw, but used for jams or syrups.
The leaves are small, triangular, acquire various shades from spring to autumn. Long and thin branches of hawthorn have thorns from 1 to 3 cm long.
Growing hawthorn in the garden
Hawthorn is a strong and hardy plant and is easy to grow. It does not have special requirements for care: it will grow on poorer soils, endure severe frosts, and due to its deep roots it is resistant to drought.
All he needs is space and light. It blooms poorly in the shade, also reacts badly to excess water and does not tolerate transplants.
Additional Information! Hawthorn plant is planted in autumn or spring, but for all shrubs, the ideal time is always autumn. Bushes planted in autumn, take root before winter and quickly recover in spring.
How to plant hawthorn
Prepare a hole at least twice as deep as the height of the earthen block surrounding the roots. To facilitate the flow of water at the bottom of the pit, it is necessary to put a layer of gravel or other drainage material, cover with soil mixed with a small amount of rotted manure. The plant is placed in the hole, covered with earth. Empty spaces must be carefully compacted and watered abundantly.
Watering
Hawthorn has a deep root system, making it drought tolerant. Watering should be done moderately, as this plant is particularly susceptible to stagnant water, which can cause rotting and suffocation of the roots.
Water only when necessary, especially during the hottest months and during periods of prolonged drought. Newly transplanted and planted in spring are watered regularly to facilitate their recovery.
top dressing
Hawthorn does not need fertilizer, but their annual application will provide more intensive flowering. Feed with a slow-release granular fertilizer for flowering plants, or add compost to the soil.
pruning hawthorn
Hawthorn is pruned only to maintain shape or limit growth. Without pruning, hawthorn can grow large. Hedge trimmed in spring, but always after flowering. This plant is pruning resistant and grows back quickly. In winter, pruning is carried out to enhance spring flowering.
How hawthorn is propagated
Hawthorn can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, grafting and layering. Grafting is considered a reliable way to propagate hawthorn. As a rootstock, you can use single-pistil plant species.
Cuttings are a possible, but not the easiest way, with a high probability of an unsuccessful result. The cuttings of this shrub take root for a very long time and are extremely reluctant,
Layering is only suitable for bush forms. In late spring, annual shoots of shrubs, without separating from the mother plant, are laid horizontally in pre-dug trenches and attached to the ground with hairpins.
Reproduction of hawthorn by seeds is the same unreliable method as cuttings.
The use of hawthorn for medicinal purposes
This plant has many beneficial properties for human health. There are many types of hawthorn, but two types are used for treatment: common hawthorn and red hawthorn. It is a safe herb and does not interact with other medications, however it is recommended that you consult your doctor before using it.
Hawthorn contains a large number of useful substances, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other components. For medicinal purposes, the leaves, flowers, fruits, and less commonly the root are used to improve immunity, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. The fruits of this plant are rich in vitamins C and B and minerals.
Hawthorn benefit. It has antispasmodic, cardiotonic, vasodilating properties. Used in the pharmaceutical industry for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, it is an excellent medicine for the heart.
The main use of hawthorn:
- heart failure;
- circulatory disorders;
- nervousness, irritability, insomnia;
- hypertension;
- cardiac arrhythmia.
The properties of hawthorn are used primarily for heart disease due to the flavonoid compounds contained in the fruits and flowers of this plant. The active substances of hawthorn dilate blood vessels, which is extremely useful for coronary heart disease and other disorders of the circulatory system, as well as after a heart attack.
Note! Hawthorn tincture is great for the heart, additionally protects against colds and supports immunity. The tincture can be prepared with vodka or alcohol with the addition of spices. Hawthorn berries should be harvested after the first frost.
Diseases and pests
From what fruit plants suffer, the hawthorn is easily affected. Pathogenic microorganisms:
- powdery mildew;
- spotting;
- rot;
- rust;
- scab.
The main pests of hawthorn are the hawthorn butterfly, apple aphid, apple sucker. They damage leaves and buds.
