Paul's Scarlet Flowering Hawthorne

Paul's Scarlet is a named flowering hawthorn known for its fully double scarlet flowers tinged with rose. Oregon State lists the selection under Crataegus laevigata, while the RHS lists Crataegus × media 'Paul's Scarlet' and includes the laevigata name among its synonyms; both retain the same cultivar identity. [Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/crataegus-laevigata-pauls-scarlet) · [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/516637/crataegus-%C3%97-media-pauls-scarlet-d/details) ## Features and placement This deciduous, rounded tree has dense, thorny branches and glossy, lobed green leaves. Its showy double scarlet-to-red flowers open in spring, followed by orange-red fruit in autumn. Published mature-size estimates vary: Oregon State gives about 5–20 feet tall, while the RHS gives a broader 4–8 metres for both height and spread. Leave room for a small tree and keep its thorny branches away from narrow paths and play areas. ## Maintenance Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Water during establishment and prolonged dry periods, then adjust to local rainfall and soil drainage; avoid assuming that a newly planted tree is drought-proof. Oregon State reports susceptibility to rust, hawthorn leaf spot, and blight, so inspect foliage during the growing season and use locally appropriate advice if symptoms develop. The exact named selection should be maintained under its cultivar name; it is not interchangeable with other hawthorn cultivars that have single or differently colored flowers. [RHS cultivation guidance](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/516637/crataegus-%C3%97-media-pauls-scarlet-d/details) · [Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/crataegus-laevigata-pauls-scarlet)