Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn is a shrub for structure, suited to full sun to partial shade and clay, loam, sandy soil or chalk, flowering May, Jun.

Where to use it in a border

At around 500 cm, it sits best toward the back of a border, or on its own as a focal point with room around it. Give it about 400 cm of room to spread. It is hardy across USDA zones 5a to 8b and rated H7 by the RHS, so check it suits your area before planting.

It appears in our lists of full sun, shade, clay soil, sandy soil, chalk soil, pollinator-friendly plants.

Border Builder uses Hawthorn's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.

Flowering through the year

Worth knowing

• It tolerates a shaded, north-facing spot.
• Its flowers are valued by bees and other pollinators.

Good companions

Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:

• Foxgloveto edge in front
• Primroseto edge in front
• Snake's Head Fritillaryto edge in front
• Wild Daffodilto edge in front
• Common Honeysuckleto edge in front
• Granny's Bonnetto edge in front

Garden styles

Cottage garden Native Wildlife garden Woodland