Frosted Thorn Crataegus Prunifolia Splendens
Description & features
British Grown - The British Grown logo denotes plants and trees that have been both propagated and grown in the UK. Read more
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All prices include VAT
All prices include VAT
All prices include VAT

British Grown - The British Grown logo denotes plants and trees that have been both propagated and grown in the UK. Read more
Product description
CRATAEGUS PRUNIFOLIA SPLENDENS – Frosted Thorn
Characteristics
The Frosted Thorn has all the attributes of a perfect garden tree, providing reliable spring and autumn interest whilst not becoming too large. It is a small tree of 7m (23ft) with a domed outline and features highly polished dark green leaves, broadly oval in shape (unlike the usual lobed leaves of the hawthorn). In autumn the foliage turns brilliant shades of orange, copper and crimson setting off the spherical shiny red berries. A fine display of single white flowers appear amongst the spiny branches in May, providing nectar for insects.
Where to grow
The Frosted Thorn would make a small handsome specimen tree in the lawn and could also be planted as a screening tree for the spring and summer months. It is tolerant of windy, and coastal sites and can be planted on many types of soil. Grow in full sun for best autumn colour.
Did you know?
‘Prunifolia’ is latin for ‘with plum-like leaves’ and ‘Splendens’ translates as ‘radiant’.
Features
- Mature height
- Small - 5-10 metres
- Spread
- 0-5 metres
- Shape / habit
- Round Headed
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Soil type
- All soil types
- Sun levels
- Full sun
- Evergreen / Deciduous
- Deciduous
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn colour
- Orange
- Red
- Yellow
- Leaf
- Green
- Foliage
- Dense
- Small leaves
- Flower colour
- White
- Flowering type
- Single
- Flowering month
- May
- Scent
- Scented Flowers
- Thorny?
- Yes
- Berries / fruit colour
- Red
- Other
- Good for Coastal sites
- Good for Windy sites
- Uses
- Screening
- Parkland Tree
- Garden Tree
- Small garden Tree
- City/Urban Sites
- Bird Food
- Bee Friendly
Features
- Mature height
- Small - 5-10 metres
- Spread
- 0-5 metres
- Shape / habit
- Round Headed
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Soil type
- All soil types
- Sun levels
- Full sun
- Evergreen / Deciduous
- Deciduous
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn colour
- Orange
- Red
- Yellow
- Leaf
- Green
- Foliage
- Dense
- Small leaves
- Flower colour
- White
- Flowering type
- Single
- Flowering month
- May
- Scent
- Scented Flowers
- Thorny?
- Yes
- Berries / fruit colour
- Red
- Other
- Good for Coastal sites
- Good for Windy sites
- Uses
- Screening
- Parkland Tree
- Garden Tree
- Small garden Tree
- City/Urban Sites
- Bird Food
- Bee Friendly
Aftercare
Pruning Crataegus Prunifolia Splendens
Crataegus prunifolia Splendens is a hardy tree that can tolerate hard pruning, but this is not generally necessary. Congestion of stems can be a problem in some cases, simply remove the affected branches and this will stop further damage. There is usually a dominant leader that can be cleared up to 2m, or be left to branch naturally.
What time of year is best to prune? Prune in winter, or light prune in spring after flowering.
For the continued healthy growth of your trees, shrubs or hedging it is vital that you follow the advice below.
Watering
The main reason that plants die within 12 months of having been planted is lack of water. It is essential throughout the spring and summer, to give a heavy enough watering to enable the water to penetrate right down to the deepest root level of the tree. In hot dry spells give the equivalent of 2 bucketfuls every three days.
Weed Control
One of the most common causes of lack of water is competition from grass. When trees are first establishing, the grass roots would be at the same level as the tree roots and are far more efficient at taking up water and thus choke the tree. It is vital for 3 years after planting that your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass. The way to eliminate grass in order of effectiveness is:
- Spray off the grass with a glyphosate based weed killer such as Roundup. Apply each year for the first 3 years. It is best applied when the tree is dormant as it is absorbed through green leaves and kills the plant off at the roots.
- Firmly fit a mulch mat around the base of the tree by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this. This can be done after the initial spraying with glyphosate and should avoid the need for further spraying.
Mowing or strimming is NOT an answer to the problem. Each time you mow, the grass will grow back more vigorously and strimming invariably leads to lacerated trunks.
Staking
If trees are not correctly secured they will rock in the planting pit. Roots not firmly in contact with the soil are unable to take up moisture and nutrients, resulting in die back or death of the tree. Check, particularly after windy weather, that stakes are still solidly in the ground keeping the base of the trunk firm. The purpose of the stakes is to anchor the roots. Flexing in the wind, higher up the trunk, is not necessarily a problem if the roots are firm.
Bellow is list of the correct system to use to secure your trees.
- 40/60, 60/80, 80/100 whips - Unless rabbit/deer problem no need to stake.
- 100/125, 125/150 1.2m Cane and Easi tie.
- 150/175 1.2m square stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
- 175/250, 6/8, 8/10 15L 1.65 Tree stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
- All larger trees. 2 x 1.65 Tree stake and cross rail with 38mm cushion spacer and 1m of 38mm strapping.
Ties
Always use our recommended tree ties or strapping. These are designed and manufactured with the correct amount of give to hold the tree firm without strangling it. They should be checked at the end of each growing season for adjustment as the trunk thickens. Non proprietary materials such as baler twine will cut into the bark and should not be used.
Protection from Animal Damage
Rabbits, deer, sheep, cattle and horses can all potentially damage trees. Ask us for advice on the most appropriate guards for your trees or hedge. Squirrels are also a terrible pest when trees get to about 20ft tall but there is no protection available.
By Janet Vardy on 30/05/2016
I bought this from you in October 2014. Last spring it flowered but this spring there’s been nothing. The tree is in leaf and looks very healthy. Can you offer an explanation? Many thanks.
By Simon on 01/06/2016
Hello Janet,
I wonder whether the tree is just late into flower this year, following the late frosts? If you have carried out any pruning you may have removed the buds, which could be another explanation.
By Chris on 12/01/2018
Hi, I live on the south coast, which month would you expect this tree to come into leaf and in which month will it lose all its leaves? Thanks
By Simon on 23/01/2018
Hi Chris, it will vary a little from year to year but generally the Frosted Thorn comes into leaf in late April, and will lose its leaves in October.