How to Grow a Hawthorn Bush

Choose a location to plant the hawthorn. It tolerates either full sun or partial shade during the day. It is also tolerant of most any type of soil, including heavy soil.

Plant the hawthorn bush at the same depth it is currently growing in the nursery pot. Dig the hole twice as wide as the rootball. Remove it from the pot, place the roots in the hole and pack soil around them.

Water the newly planted hawthorn to keep the soil moist while it becomes established. When you see new foliage, begin decreasing irrigation frequency to once a week — if there is no rain — to a depth of 6 inches.

Fertilize the hawthorn in fall with an all-purpose general garden fertilizer — one with a grade of 10-10-10, for example. Sprinkle it on the soil 6 inches from the base of the hawthorn and spread it to 1 foot beyond its widest point. Water to a depth of 10 inches after fertilizing.

Prune the hawthorn bush carefully to avoid being poked by the thorny stems. Hawthorns don't require heavy pruning. Remove stems that cross over others and prune it to the shape you desire. The best time to prune hawthorns is in early spring.

Inspect the bush periodically for signs of pest infestations. Aphids are the most common pests on the hawthorn. Either wash them off with a blast of water from the hose or use an insecticidal soap spray according to the product's instruction label.