Crataegus pinnatifida var. major 'Big Golden Star' 12Ltr pot

Crataegus pinnatifida var. major 'Big Golden Star' (12L Pot)

An unusual and rewarding hawthorn, 'Big Golden Star' is a Chinese cultivar prized for its almost thornless branches and shredding, ornamental bark, making it far friendlier to work around than the native species. It forms an upright, spreading small tree with glossy, deeply lobed bright green leaves that put on a good show of crimson-red colour in autumn.

In early summer, flattened clusters of white flowers appear, followed by an impressive display of large, shiny orange-red haws — at up to 3cm or more across, notably larger than those of common hawthorn, and edible, with a pleasant, apple-like flavour once ripe. The fruit persists on the branches well after leaf fall, extending the season of interest and providing valuable food for garden birds.

Tough, disease-resistant and undemanding, it grows well in most soils and situations, thriving best in full sun with shelter from cold winds. Given time it will reach around 4–8m in height with a slightly narrower spread of 2.5–4m, making it a fine specimen for a wildlife garden, informal border, or as an unusual addition to a mixed hedgerow.

Supplied as a well-established plant in a 12-litre pot, ready to plant out and establish quickly.

Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.