07/29/1996

Hawthorns a Sunny Alternative to Azaleas

BREWTON, Ala.- Next time you remark about how pretty the azaleas are, be sure they are azaleas, not Indian Hawthorns, which are becoming more and more popular in urban landscapes in Alabama.

Researchers from Auburn University are evaluating 25 varieties of Indian Hawthorns at the Brewton Experiment Field. Randy Akridge, superintendent of the Brewton Field says visitors to the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station facility commonly ask about the azaleas that are in reality Hawthorns.

Hawthorns are actually in the rose family and inherent with their family connection is tendency to be susceptible to leafspot. Many of the varieties being tested at the Brewton Field are highly susceptible to entomosporium leafspot, according to Akridge. "It causes leaves to turn red and fall off. The disease occurs most frequently in the spring when pruning is done," Akridge pointed out.

Among the varieties being tested at Brewton are two developed by Flowerwood Nursery in Baldwin County. These varieties, Eleanor Tabor and Olivia, both have shown excellent resistance to entomosporium leafspot in tests at the Brewton Field. Both these varieties were released by Flowerwood and are available commercially.

Though dwarf varieties of Hawthorns are commonly confused with azaleas, other varieties grow 12-15 feet tall and are commonly used in landscapes instead of photinia (red tips). "Hawthorns can be pruned and trained to bush out at the top, or take other shapes to fit the landscape," Akridge noted.

A big advantage of Hawthorns over azaleas is that they can be planted in full sun. They produce uniform flowers and have a pleasant fragrance. Though Hawthorne flowers are not generally as brilliant as azaleas, they are attractive and usually persist longer.

The downside, in comparison with azaleas, is that Hawthorns are somewhat unpredictable and predisposed to leaf spot diseases when planted in shady landscapes. Hawthorns also produce a small bluish, black fruit that persist throughout most of the winter.

"In looking at 25 varieties of Hawthorns side-by-side, we get a pretty good comparison of how well they grow and what type pruning they need. We have found a few that just won't grow well in our soil and climatic conditions, and we have found some that do well here. All the varieties that grow well here will flower, except this year because of winter freezes, and all will hold good green color throughout the winter. Which is the best, is determined by the conditions in which they are meant to grow in the landscape," Akridge concluded.

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News from:

Office of Ag Communications & Marketing

Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 Comer Hall, Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)

Contact Jamie Creamer, 334-844-2783 or jcreamer@auburn.edu
by Roy Roberson

07/29/96