Has anyone on the forum ever tried to 'topiarise' Hawthorn? I read Arne Maynard writing about it but wondered if anyone had done it in real life and not at Chelsea et al.
I'd guess it's not a popular subject for topiary as it's deciduous. Perhaps that's the reason you rarely see it used. Slightly on a tangent - but I've seen Pyracantha cloud pruned against a wall - it looks stunning. It comes down to one's imagination really
You could always start a trend M Fent
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
The Pyracanthus against a wall does look very good. I think Hawthorn would look good trained as a pyramid, especially in spring with its blossom and then in autumn with the bright red haws; ready decorated outdoor christmas tree anyone?
Theres a thought: if you clip Hawthorn will it flower? And will it produce haws?
On a different note I realise when ive already posted a question, the answer to most is very much give it a try becuase plants behave and adapt very differently to the one next door etc.
Watch out Chelsea Flower Show, sales of Hawthorn is going to sky rocket!
Do what makes you feel happy - that's the key to gardening. The only drawbacks are when you want to try something that your conditions won't allow. Trickier then!
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Hard clipping the hawthorn into a shape is no different from a tight hedge. It responds well to hard clipping, but probably will not then flower and have haws.
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There is a famous hawthorn on the Mansfield to Nottingham road known as the table top tree. It has always been flat topped.
I'd guess it's not a popular subject for topiary as it's deciduous. Perhaps that's the reason you rarely see it used. Slightly on a tangent - but I've seen Pyracantha cloud pruned against a wall - it looks stunning. It comes down to one's imagination really
You could always start a trend M Fent
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
The ones round here are mostly wind pruned! They can still look artistic though.
Theres a thought: if you clip Hawthorn will it flower? And will it produce haws?
On a different note I realise when ive already posted a question, the answer to most is very much give it a try becuase plants behave and adapt very differently to the one next door etc.
Watch out Chelsea Flower Show, sales of Hawthorn is going to sky rocket!
Nothing ventured and all that MF
Do what makes you feel happy - that's the key to gardening. The only drawbacks are when you want to try something that your conditions won't allow. Trickier then!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Hard clipping the hawthorn into a shape is no different from a tight hedge. It responds well to hard clipping, but probably will not then flower and have haws.
if it doesnt flower when clipped then not aloT
You might get a few flowers but mostly they'd be cut off.
I'd keep the hawthorn free flowering for maximum wildlife support and topiarise something else.
Go and find an old hawthorn hedge and see what it looks like when it's been tight clipped for years
In the sticks near Peterborough