Crataegus Gireoudii - Hawthorn

The Crataegus x laevigata 'Gireoudii' is a hybrid variety of hawthorn notable for its young leaves and shoots variegated with pink and white. Like its parent, a native species, this small thorny tree is covered in fragrant white flowers in spring. Highly attractive to bees, this flowering is followed by clusters of small red fruits coveted by birds. Perfectly hardy and easy to grow in ordinary soil, 'Gireoudii' hawthorn is an excellent plant for shrub borders or hedges. With its elegant and colourful foliage, it also makes a striking focal point in a small garden.

The Crataegus laevigata 'Gireoudii' belongs to the Rosaceae family, just like the wild rose and the plum tree. It is a select horticultural specimen discovered around 1890. It is a small tree or large bushy shrub that is very hardy and can reach 5m (16ft) in height and 3 to 4m (10 to 13ft) in width. Its habit is generally rounded, well-branched, with a wide crown. The base can produce suckers, allowing it to spread in width. Its branches are armed with extremely strong, long thorns. They bear alternate deciduous leaves, measuring about 5cm (2in) in length, which are ovate, entire or lobed, and have a glossy appearance. The young shoots and leaves are randomly variegated with bright pink and cream white and then turn green, although some retain a cream-white variegation. The foliage turns yellow and orange in autumn before falling. In May, simple cup-shaped, fragrant flowers of about 2cm (1in) in diameter bloom in tight clusters. In September, its bright red pear-shaped fruits, called haws, measuring 2cm (1in) in diameter, can be admired. They are not edible. This hawthorn can live for many years.

The Crataegus laevigata 'Gireoudii' adapts to a wide range of soils as long as they are fertile and well-drained but not too dry. This shrub thrives in a sunny or partially shaded position. It is not demanding and only requires pruning for balance in February. Plant this hawthorn in a large hedge alongside decorative fruiting viburnums, ornamental apple trees, cotoneasters, wild pear trees, quince trees, and other European spindle trees. You will enjoy its elegance while providing shelter and food for numerous insects, birds, and small mammals in your garden.