Varieties of Crataegus that are selected for bonsai cultivation are chosen primarily for their flowers.

The varieties that are selected for bonsai cultivation are mainly chosen for their flowers. Among the most common species, besides the European Crataegus monogyna, there is the Japanese Crataegus cuneata which is very similar to monogyna but, unlike the latter, shows a red colored flowering: its dress looks particularly charming when covered with red flowers with double petals.

Also Crataegus oxyacantha, which in May bears beautiful crimson flowers, gathered in corymbs, and in autumn is covered by small round red fruits, is rather used as bonsai, as well as Crataegus azerolus which, native to Asia Minor and northern Africa, is characterized by a very scented white flowering. 

Although it is one of the most appreciated characteristics of this essence, flowering is not an easy goal to reach, as Crataegus tends to concentrate its vigor in strong shoots and to let short branches, on which flowers originate, dry up, causing the decrease year after year of the volume of flowering. In any case, by correctly applying pruning and stapling you can easily overcome this inconvenience and constantly appreciate the flowering of your Crataegus bonsai. 

 Crataegus bonsai stands out for the beauty of its flowers.

The wide diffusion in bonsai art is also determined by its great vigor, from which it follows a very rapid growth that favors the easy enlargement of the branches and of the base; it presents, moreover, small leaves that make it very decorative even when it is not flowering. Being a versatile species, it can be shaped into almost any style, except formal upright and broom, leaving the designer with many possibilities for formation.

Exposure.

The ideal location is in full sun, in a well-ventilated position, throughout the year, with the exception of the hottest months where it is essential to shelter it in half shade. 

Since it tolerates cold climate well, even in winter it is not necessary to adopt particular precautions: only in case of prolonged frosts it is appropriate to place it in a sheltered place.

Watering.

The dominant characteristic of the Crataegus, as said, is its abundant flowering, and it is right in this period that it is necessary an abundant watering, because its consumption happens very quickly. 

If it is not possible to water regularly, it is advisable to place the plant under a shading net which, besides slowing down the consumption of water, avoids the burning of the tips of the leaves. 

In winter watering should be reduced, however without ever letting the soil dry up completely.

Soil.

The most suitable compound for this species is composed of: akadama 75% and ready soil 25%.

Potting.

Transplanting is done from February to March every two-three years. 

Always in consideration of its rapid growth and consequently of the radical apparatus, it is possible that it is necessary to intervene more frequently, in some cases even every year.

Pruning.

Pruning is done in winter, during the period of vegetative rest. It is indispensable to intervene every year on the long branches, keeping instead the short ones on which it will be manifested the flowering of the following year. 

In Crataegus only some shoots present at the ends develop with vigor. In order to reduce the strength of these sprouts, it is necessary to prune them when they have reached about half of their development, otherwise the branches lose taper and elegance. 

This plant also responds well to drastic pruning, vegetating abundantly even from the trunk, so branching is not a problem. After flowering, remove the wilted flowers and shorten the branches to about one or two nodes. 

One of the characteristics of this species is to form numerous suckers at the base of the trunk, which must be removed carefully and as soon as possible, before they develop excessively.

Picking.

The pinning is done in spring, thinning the new growth in order to encourage the formation of the branches two by two; the strong shoots should be topped in order to direct the vigor towards the weak ones.

 If you want the plant to bloom, it is better not to clamp until after the flowering because the flowers are born on the top of the new branches. 

By clamping from the end of July you will obtain only leaf buds.

Winding.

Although it is always better to intervene with pruning for training purposes, it is still possible to stop the growth of too vigorous shoots through the use of wire, winding them down. 

The best period to apply it is between May and June, when it is possible to contain the excessive development of the branches. 

Because of the excessive speed of growth, it is important to constantly observe the wrapped parts, so that you can remove the wire in a timely manner in case it starts to cut into the bark.

Fertilization.

At the end of flowering, after pruning, feed Bonsan Stimulating Fertilizer combined with Bonsan Liquid Organic Fertilizer 3 times at 8-10 day intervals. This fertilization can be substituted with Bonsan Stimulating Fertilizer plus Bonsan Organic Solid Fertilizer Hanagokoro 2 times every 15-20 days. At other times, use Bonsan Liquid Organic Fertilizer every 15 days until October, or Bonsan Hanagokoro Solid Organic Fertilizer every 15-25 days, excluding July and August. Twice a year (in autumn and at the end of winter) administer Bonsan Organic Solid Fertilizer Hanagokoro; 3-4 times a year it is also appropriate to intervene with Bonsan Mineral Curative Solution. To stimulate rooting, use Bonsan Fluid Organic Mineral Fertilizer with B vitamins instead of Bonsan Organic Liquid Fertilizer.

Care.

It is not particularly susceptible to any disease or pathogen, moreover it responds very well to pesticide treatments that may be necessary in case of attack of aphids, scale insects, caterpillars, powdery mildew, rust and bacterial necrosis that may threaten this species. 

As a preventive measure, in winter, when the tree is bare, it is advisable to apply liquid jin diluted in water (1:20) in order to fight possible formations of insect eggs.