Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => General Gardening => Topic started by: JohnB47 on May 14, 2013, 15:58

Title: Why are there very few blossom on my Hawthorn tree
Post by: JohnB47 on May 14, 2013, 15:58

Hi.

We have a Hawthorn tree, planted in Autumn 2010. In it's first Spring (2011), there was a small spattering of blossom (light pink) - no surprise.

The next Spring (2012) we had a good show - what we felt was normal for it's age.

This year, however, there is only one or two tiny bunches of buds showing, indicating that there will be hardly any blossom.

The tree is otherwise very healthy looking - good branch and leaf growth this year again and the trunk is fattening nicely.

Any ideas why there should not be an abundance of flowers this year?

Thanks.

Title: Re: Why are there very few blossom on my Hawthorn tree
Post by: arugula on May 14, 2013, 16:02

Is Hawthorn blossom not sometimes thought of as the "May"* of "ne'er cast a clout 'til May is out"? Everything is late this year and it might just be late.

* There is discussion between it being this meaning or meaning the month of May.

Title: Re: Why are there very few blossom on my Hawthorn tree
Post by: JohnB47 on May 14, 2013, 16:06

Hmmm, maybe you're right. Perhaps there's time yet for more buds to appear.

Must keep an eye out.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Why are there very few blossom on my Hawthorn tree
Post by: Springlands on May 14, 2013, 16:32

Hi John - we have lots of hawthorn in our garden and not a flower to be seen - they are as Arugula said just very late. Today I was looking at the local hedgerows in the surrounding countryside and even in sheltered areas the hawthorns are not coming into bloom. Hopefully over the next few weeks they will catch up - I love the soapy smell of the flowers.  :)

Title: Re: Why are there very few blossom on my Hawthorn tree
Post by: fatcat1955 on May 14, 2013, 17:02

The late frost's / snow might have killed the bud's.

Title: Re: Why are there very few blossom on my Hawthorn tree
Post by: JohnB47 on May 14, 2013, 17:56

Thanks folks.

Actually, where we are in East Devon, we didn't get much snow and our garden is fairly sheltered and south facing.

Let's hope that it's just a late year all round - certainly is for my vegetable growing.

Cheers all.

Title: Re: Why are there very few blossom on my Hawthorn tree
Post by: hubballi on May 19, 2013, 20:16

Same here. My hawthorn in a large pot has just started to show the odd flower. He hedgerows are the same. It's all late this year but usually by now everything is full on flower.