Season

Features

Spring

Profuse clusters of double white flowers bloom in mid to late spring, often fading to soft pink as they age.

Summer

Rich green, shallowly lobed leaves create a lush canopy.

Autumn

Rounded red berries appear, providing a striking contrast against the foliage.

Winter

Feature

Benefit

Exquisite Double Blooms

Fully double white flowers in late spring create a stunning display, adding elegance to any landscape.

Compact & Manageable Size

Reaches a height and spread of 4–8 metres, making it suitable for medium-sized gardens and urban spaces.

Seasonal Interest

Offers year-round appeal with spring blossoms, lush summer foliage, autumn berries, and a structured winter silhouette.

Wildlife Friendly

Provides food and shelter for birds and supports pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity.

Hardy & Low Maintenance

Tolerant of various soil types, urban pollution, and UK weather conditions; requires minimal pruning.

Step

Instructions

Planting Time

Plant bare-root specimens between mid-autumn and late winter when the soil is workable. Container-grown trees can be planted year-round, avoiding periods of drought or waterlogged soil.

Spacing

Allow 4–8 metres between trees to accommodate their mature spread.

Sunlight Position

Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade.

Watering

Water regularly during the first year to establish a deep root system. Once established, the tree is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.

Soil Type

Prefers moist but well-drained soil; adaptable to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Fertilising

Generally not required. In poor soils, apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to promote healthy growth.

Mulching

Apply a 5–7 cm layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Issue

Solution

Pests

Generally pest-free, though may occasionally be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, and gall mites. Monitor the tree and, if necessary, treat infestations with appropriate measures.

Diseases

Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to leaf spot, fireblight, and honey fungus. Ensure good air circulation and promptly remove affected material to reduce the risk of disease.

Pruning

Minimal pruning is required. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late autumn or winter to maintain a healthy structure.

Wildlife

Benefits

Pollinators

The profusion of double white flowers in late spring attracts bees and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.

Birds

In autumn, the tree produces red berries (haws) that serve as a valuable food source for various bird species.

Habitat

The dense, thorny branches provide excellent nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, offering protection from predators.