Hawthorn can refer to the deciduous hawthorn tree (Crataegus spp.) or the hawthorn evergreen bushes (Rhaphiolepis spp.) , but both belong to the Rosaceae familymembers. The rate of increase varies by every species of hawthorn and particular growing conditions might also have an effect on the growth rate of these shrubs and trees. Growth rates are often listed as slow, 12 inches or less per year; medium, 12 to 24 inches annually; or fast, 25 inches or more per year.
Hawthorn Bushes
Hawthorn bushes are well suited to areas where temperatures never, or rarely, dip below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The shrubs bloom in late fall or mid-winter to late spring, depending on the number. Hawthorn bushes are low-growing and the taller varieties normally do not grow taller than 6 feet. Growing hawthorn bushes in partial shade keeps them much more compact, but they’ll bear fewer blooms compared to trees grown in full sun. You can control the magnitude of hawthorn bushes through proper pruning, keeping a desired size indefinitely.
Hawthorn Bush Growth Rate
The increase rate for hawthorn bushes vary by bush. Yeddo hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis umbellata) is just a fast-growing plant that could grow up to 10 feet tall and wide. The bush bears 3/4-inch-wide flowers and dark green leaves ranging from 1 to 3 inches long. It rises in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is a slow-growing bush also hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11 that grows 4 to 5 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide with flowers of varying colors.
Hawthorn Trees
Hawthorn tree growth rates also vary with number of tree and if the trees have been given ideal growing conditions. The trees bear clusters of white blooms, usually in spring, and bear fruit that resembles tiny apples in summer, fall and at times in winter. The branches are thorny and the trees generally require pruning to thin them and eliminate excess twiggy growth. Hawthorn trees thrive in well-drained soil with frequent moisture in full sun.
Hawthorn Tree Growth
Washington hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum) grows at a medium growth rate , around 30 feet tall with a 25-foot spread. The tree bears small red fruit through the foliage changes from green to a scarlet or orange in the fall. Washington hawthorn is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. Downy hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) is just a slow-growing tree that’s hardy down to USDA zone 3. The tree grows up to 30 feet tall and 35 feet wide with down-covered, 4-inch toothed leaves and 1-inch red fruits. The leaves change to a bronze color in the fall.