Trees · Other Families
Green Hawthorn 'Winter King'
Crataegus viridis' winter king'
In USDA zones 7b–8a around Raleigh, Durham, and Cary, Green Hawthorn 'Winter King' is a tree used in Triangle yards when mature size, sun, and drainage fit the bed. Piedmont clay rewards a wide planting hole, a slightly high crown, and steady first-season water. Give it the open sky it wants; west-facing walls in July still cook tender foliage. Seasonal flowers are usually why it earns a street-facing spot. Fall planting is the usual window here; water through the first summer no matter the calendar.
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Key facts for the Triangle
- Botanical name
- Crataegus viridis' winter king'
- Common name
- Green Hawthorn 'Winter King'
- Plant type
- Trees
- Group
- Other Families
- Hardiness here
- USDA 7b–8a (Raleigh–Durham Triangle)
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Deep, consistent water while establishing
- Soil
- Well-drained
- Leaf habit
- See overview
- Best planting window
- Fall (October–November) in the Piedmont; spring after frost as backup
Overview
Crataegus viridis, the green hawthorn or southern thorn, is a species of hawthorn that is native to the southeastern United States.
It is a reliable choice for a focal-point specimen in the Triangle. Between the clay soil and humid summers, this tree stands out for its specimen plant and overall landscape durability.
At a glance
Sun
Water & soil
Wildlife
Flowers & fragrance
Foliage & season
Habit & use
Best landscape uses
Best landscape uses
Growing & care
Practical notes for establishment and seasonal care in the Triangle—adjust for local soil tests and microclimate.
Light
Full sun
Watering Procedure
Water at the base until the root zone is saturated (usually 45-60 seconds for new plants). Check the top inch of soil; if dry, it's time to water again.
Planting & Soil
Thrives in well-drained soil. Dig your hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Mix 30% compost with your native clay backfill to open up the soil—this helps the roots breathe and prevents water from pooling. Planting 'slightly high' also ensures the roots stay healthy.
Fertilization
Focus on soil health with organic mulch or compost. A light spring application of balanced fertilizer supports steady flowering without forcing weak wood.
Pruning / upkeep
Prune shortly after the flowers fade. This ensures you aren't cutting off the buds for next year's bloom cycle.
Common questions
Is Green Hawthorn 'Winter King' a good plant for Raleigh and the Triangle?
Yes—when the site matches its light and drainage needs. Green Hawthorn 'Winter King' is used in Raleigh, Durham, and Cary landscapes in USDA zones 7b–8a. Confirm mature width, overhead wires, and how wet the Piedmont clay stays after storms before you plant.
When should I plant Green Hawthorn 'Winter King' in North Carolina?
Fall (October–November) is the safest window for Green Hawthorn 'Winter King' in the Piedmont: soil is still warm, air is cooler, and roots can grow before summer. Spring after the last frost works if you can water deeply through the first hot season.
Will Green Hawthorn 'Winter King' grow in Piedmont clay?
It can, with careful planting: wide hole, crown slightly above grade, and no water sitting on the root flare. Heavy, poorly drained clay is the usual failure mode—not summer heat alone.
How much sun does Green Hawthorn 'Winter King' need?
It performs best in full sun—about 6 or more hours of direct light. Afternoon shade can help in reflected-heat courtyards, but too little sun usually means weaker flowering or open growth.
Reference context includes Wikipedia (“Crataegus viridis”), licensed under CC BY-SA.