Crataegus viridis 'Winter King' reigns over the landscape during frosty months. The tree is praised for its outstanding orange-red winter berries. Adding to the show, this hawthorn's silver-gray bark peels off as it ages, revealing its orange inner bark.

Spectators are also treated to masses of white flowers in spring and dark-green leaves in summer that turn bronze, red and gold before dropping. It's no wonder that 'Winter King' is a certified prize winner. This hawthorn was named a Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal plant in 1992, and it's one of the Wisconsin Nursery Association's 2006 plants of the year.

John Martin, president of Simpson Nursery in Vincennes, Ind., describes 'Winter King' as "steady and reliable." It's fairly easy to grow, and demand for the plant remains strong, thanks in part to the tree's adaptability to urban landscapes.

An urban standout

'Winter King' successfully grows in areas where air pollution, poor drainage, compacted soil and drought are common. The tree is ideal for above-ground planters, parking lot islands and residential streets. It can be grown with multiple trunks or trained to grow with a single trunk.

'Winter King' has a medium growth rate and the crown develops a round to vase shape over time. It requires pruning to develop strong structure, but otherwise it's considered a low-maintenance tree. 'Winter King' has inconspicuous thorns that rarely pose problems, even on trees planted near streets. It reaches 20-30 feet high with a similar spread. 'Winter King' grows best in full sun with well-drained soils.

The king's roots

Simpson Nursery introduced 'Winter King' in the late 1950s. It remains one of its most popular products to this day. 'Winter King' is grafted to Washington hawthorn understock in late summer. Martin said the tree will get anywhere from 4-8 feet of growth per year. The trees typically finish in two to three years, depending on the caliper desired.

"One thing that is real critical with planting -- whether our nursery or others -- is that they're not planted when the soil is moist and cold," Martin said. "It may throw off their cycle."

There have been cases where trees have failed to break dormancy the first season. It's usually attributed to setting plants out too early in spring. To prevent this, Martin recommends laying out plants and covering them with wet packing material until they break bud. Temperature should be above that of refrigerated storage.

"On the opposite extreme, it's important not to plant when it's really hot," he said. "It's important that the fine hair roots stay moist."

Simpson Nursery recommends the tried-and-true method of dipping roots in soupy mud to maintain moisture and ensure a good start.

— Sarah Martinez

SPECIFICS:
Name: Crataegus viridis 'Winter King'
Common name: 'Winter King' southern hawthorn.
Family: Rosaceae.
Description: Moderate grower that features masses of white flowers in spring and dark-green leaves in summer that turn bronze, red and gold before dropping. Orange-red berries persist through winter.
Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7.
Uses: Suitable for above-ground planters, parking lot islands, residential streets and lawns.
Propagation: Grafting.
For more: Simpson Nursery Co., 1504 Wheatland Road, P.O. Box 1216, Vincennes, IN 47591; (800) 781-0211; www.simpsonnursery.com.

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© 2006 Branch-Smith Publishing