Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'Hawthorn

It has a compact habit and robust lateral branching, forming an open crown at first that becomes progressively broad and rounded. It can reach approximately 6 to 8 metres in height and 5 to 7 metres in spread, keeping a scale suited to residential gardens, squares and street plantings of moderate size.

In spring, the crown is covered in inflorescences made up of fully double flowers, crimson to reddish pink in colour. The dense, rounded appearance of each flower recalls small roses, creating an intense flowering distinct from that of single-flowered hawthorns. Fruit production is generally low or absent.

The leaves are small, glossy and dark green, with between three and five shallow lobes. The branches have fewer thorns than those of the straight species, while the greyish-brown bark begins to flake in small plates on the oldest specimens.

It grows in sun or partial shade and adapts to different soil types, provided they have adequate drainage and are not excessively dry. It has high resistance to cold and tolerates air pollution and the proximity of paving, characteristics that favour its use in an urban context.

It is suited to gardens, entrances, squares, parks, avenue plantings and streets with enough space for the crown to develop. Mature specimens from Diaplant have an already formed structure and enough branching to sustain a crimson flowering of great impact from the first years after planting.