Description
Crataegus lavallei Carrierei – Carriere’s Hawthorn
Description & Key Features
Crataegus lavallei Carrierei, or Carriere’s Hawthorn, is a highly ornamental small tree ideal for Irish gardens. Supplied at 6/8 cm girth and approx. 8 ft tall, it is valued for its semi-evergreen glossy foliage, which holds well into winter.
From May to June, clusters of white flowers provide nectar for pollinators. These are followed by long-lasting orange-red berries that persist into the colder months, adding colour and supporting local birdlife.
Key features:
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Semi-evergreen with glossy dark green foliage
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Abundant spring flowers for pollinators
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Striking berries that last into winter
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Tough and adaptable to Irish soils, including heavier ground
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Tolerant of exposure, wind, and urban pollution
Planting
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Size supplied: 6/8 cm girth, approx. 8 ft in height
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Planting season: Best planted from late autumn to early spring while dormant
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Position: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil: Adaptable to most soils; thrives in well-drained or heavier Irish soils
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Spacing: Allow room for growth if used as a specimen tree; for mixed hedgerows, space at 1–1.5 metres
Aftercare & Maintenance
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Watering: Keep well-watered during the first couple of seasons until established
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Pruning: Minimal maintenance required — remove dead or crossing branches in winter
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Feeding: Mulch annually in spring and apply slow-release fertiliser if soil is poor
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Wildlife benefits: Supports bees and pollinators in spring, and birds with berries in autumn/winter
Why Choose Crataegus lavallei Carrierei?
Carriere’s Hawthorn is a superb all-rounder for Irish gardens. Hardy, low-maintenance, and packed with seasonal interest, it works beautifully as a specimen tree, in urban landscapes, or as part of a mixed hedge or boundary planting. Its glossy leaves, spring blossom, and vibrant berries make it a reliable choice for year-round appeal. Other options for Crataegus trees that compliment Crataegus lavallei include Persimilis and Paul Scarlet Trees.