Crataegus monogyna (x) media) Tortuosa Charlier - Hawthorn

The Crataegus x media 'Tortuosa Charlier' is a variety of hybrid Hawthorn of unknown origin that is characterised by its compact growth, slightly twisted branches, and pretty double flowers that are almost red in spring. The shrub also produces some red berries in autumn. A rare variety that will delight collectors and enthusiasts of curiosities. 

According to experts in the genus, this Crataegus 'Tortuosa Charlier' is an old variety that has been mistakenly named. Presumably resulting from a mutation and natural hybridisation, this hawthorn has long been known in Europe but has been little distributed in commerce. Ornamental and ecological, the hawthorn is ideal in a hedgerow or free-growing hedge. It belongs to the large family of Rosaceae. It is a thorny shrub with a long lifespan, with very hard wood, reaching a height of 10m and a spread of 6m at maturity, with a bushy, dense, sometimes slightly disordered habit.

'Tortuosa Charlier' is a dwarf form that only grows 15cm per year and reaches about 2.75m in height and 1.20m in spread at the age of 20. The shrub has an upright, slightly irregular habit, with slightly zigzagged branches and leaves that are quite similar to those of a typical hawthorn. The trunk bark is grey-brown in colour, and its short stems bear thorns. Its foliage is deciduous and absent in winter. It consists of single leaves that are 2-5cm long, divided into 3-5 lobes. They are bright green in summer, with a duller underside, and turn yellow in autumn before falling. In May-June, double flowers appear, ranging from pink to red, grouped in clusters of 5-10. The corollas measure 2-4cm in diameter and are intensely visited by bees. In September-October, a few red fruits measuring 6-10mm in length can be observed. They are spherical and are consumed by birds.

The Crataegus 'Tortuosa Charlier' is a plant that adapts to any well-drained soil, even limestone, in a sunny or partially shaded position. With its modest growth and gently unique silhouette, even in the heart of winter, this shrub will thrive in a container on the terrace or as a focal point in a small urban garden. To enhance its appearance, one can plant silver basket, small-flowered periwinkles, or black Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' at its base. Enthusiasts of twisted small trees will also appreciate the dwarf Sophora 'Little Baby', the contorted Corylus Contorta, and the 'Monstrosa' horse chestnut...

Note: The Crataegus monogyna (common hawthorn) hybridises with Crataegus laevigata (Midland hawthorn) to produce numerous horticultural varieties called Crataegus x media. The term "monogyna" comes from the Latin word "monogunus," which means "with a single style." This criterion distinguishes this variety from Crataegus laevigata, which has 2 or 3 styles (pistils) and therefore 2 or 3 stones in the fruit.