Lavalle hawthorn

Lavalle hawthorn should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. During the summer months, the plant should be watered approximately every 7-10 days. In the spring and fall, watering can be done every 12-14 days. During the drier winter months, the plant should be watered approximately every month. Water should be applied slowly and deeply directly to the soil, avoiding wetting the foliage. Over-watering the plant can damage the roots and cause disease. Make sure the soil has had time to dry out properly before watering the plant again.

Lavalle hawthorn (Crataegus x lavallei) should generally have at least 6 hours of sunlight each day in order to grow and thrive. But it can tolerate some shade in the hotter afternoon hours, so some dappled light throughout the day will also work. Varietal differences may affect the amount of sunlight needed, so it’s important to consider the specific variety before determining how much sun your plant needs.

The Lavalle hawthorn (Crataegus x lavallei) is usually pruned in late February or early March. Pruning should be moderate, to create an even, natural looking shape without over-thinning the tree. To maintain its shape, remove dead, diseased or damaged branches first, then select those that are crossing each other or sticking out too much as well as any that are growing more vertical than outward. Remove all suckers or shoots growing from the base of the tree. For the remaining branches, trim them back slightly so they are shorter or level with the outermost branch tips. Avoid pruning more than 1-third of the existing branches as this could damage the tree. Lavalle hawthorn should not need to be pruned again for at least 3 years.