Crataegus ‘Paul’s Scarlet’

Crataegus ‘Paul’s Scarlet’, commonly known as Paul’s Scarlet Hawthorn, is a hardy, compact deciduous ornamental and specimen tree valued for its dense rounded shape and masses of double red flowers. It is an excellent choice for smaller gardens, lawns, cottage gardens and wildlife-friendly planting.

This small tree develops a naturally rounded crown with thorny branches and glossy, deeply lobed green leaves. In spring, it is covered with clusters of fully double, light red flowers, creating a spectacular display.

Growing to approximately 4–6 metres in height, ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ is a useful choice where space is limited and makes an attractive feature or specimen tree on a lawn or within a mixed border.

The dense branching structure also provides valuable shelter for garden wildlife. As with other Hawthorns, its flowers are attractive to pollinating insects and the tree can provide useful habitat for birds.

Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. A hardy and adaptable tree, it is well suited to a wide range of UK gardens and particularly effective in cottage-style and naturalistic planting schemes.