Green Hawthorn

About this plant

Elevate your landscape with the enduring charm of Crataegus viridis 'Winter King', a true jewel for all seasons. This exceptional small tree is celebrated for its distinctive broad, flat-topped crown and lustrous, dark green foliage that provides a refined backdrop through spring and summer. Its robust nature and elegant silhouette make it a perfect specimen tree or a distinguished accent in mixed borders. As autumn arrives, the leaves transition to beautiful shades of orange and red, but the real showstopper begins as the foliage drops. 'Winter King' reveals an astonishing display of bright, persistent scarlet berries that cling to its branches, offering a vibrant splash of color against the winter snow and providing crucial sustenance for local wildlife. Beyond its ornamental appeal, this cultivar boasts excellent disease resistance and adaptability, thriving in a variety of conditions. Its thorny branches also offer a natural barrier and a secure nesting site for birds, making it a functional and beautiful addition to any garden or naturalized area. Plant 'Winter King' for unparalleled four-season interest.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, provided they are well-drained. Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crossing branches and to maintain desired shape. Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.