Lavallée Hawthorn 'Carrierei'

This is a tough and handsome small hybrid hawthorn that offers year-round interest. It forms a dense, rounded crown of dark, glossy, leathery green leaves that are semi-evergreen, often persisting on the tree well into winter in milder UK regions. In early summer, it produces large clusters of white flowers with prominent pink anthers. These are followed by relatively large, orange-red berries that ripen in autumn and remain on the branches throughout the winter, providing a vital food source for birds. The autumn foliage is a mix of bronze and red. Growing to approximately 6-8 metres, it is fully hardy (H7) and tolerates a wide range of difficult conditions, including coastal exposure, industrial pollution, and heavy clay. It does have thorns, but they are less numerous than on some other hawthorns. Its neat habit and persistent fruit make it one of the most reliable and attractive trees for suburban gardens and street planting. It thrives in almost any soil and prefers a sunny site.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Any well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jun.