What soil does Midland hawthorn grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Midland hawthorn hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Midland hawthorn toxic to dogs?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to dogs.

Is Midland hawthorn toxic to cats?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to cats.

How far from the house should Midland hawthorn be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How much water does Midland hawthorn need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Midland hawthorn

Crataegus laevigata

Midland hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) is a small tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €32.

Illustration of Midland hawthorn — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Midland hawthorn is sold almost only as the red-flowered 'Paul's Scarlet': a small ornamental tree with a rounded crown that is completely covered in double, carmine red flowers in May. It is undemanding and copes with city air and limy soil, so it suits front gardens, small gardens and narrow streets. The branches are thorny, it sets few or no fruits, and the foliage may thin out in midsummer because of leaf diseases.

Watch out for

Hawthorn is a host of fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): infected shoots suddenly turn brown, then black, and bend over like a hook, and the disease can move to nearby apples, pears and quinces, so do not plant it beside fruit trees and cut diseased parts back into healthy wood. In humid, rainy summers leaf spot and rust can hit it so hard that the tree drops much of its foliage as early as late June or July. Powdery mildew, aphids and leaf-eating caterpillars also occur. Because of the sharp 2.5 cm thorns, use only clear-stemmed trees next to play areas and paths.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 4 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, red

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	4 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	4–8 m × 4–8 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, red
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	500 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic
For cats	Non-toxic
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €32

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €32

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants that are non-toxic to dogs Plants that are non-toxic to cats Small ornamental trees Small trees for beside paths and paving

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Midland hawthorn vs Common hawthorn

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