Hawthorn or cherry

RoddersUK

Hi All,

Looking to replace a buddleja with a tree. I love the ornamental cherry blossoms, but thinking a Hawthorn will be much more beneficial for the wildlife and that's why my garden is all about.

Is my thinking correct, I'm looking at the 

Crataegus laevigata 'Crimson Cloud' Tree

punkdoc

I love Hawthorn, it has blossom, fruit and good Autumn colour. I agree it would be better for wild life too.

Dovefromabove

Absolutely agree with @punkdoc. Hawthorn is beautiful and great for wildlife.  

RoddersUK

Your thoughts are with me, is the one I mentioned good, are any other hawthorns better than another one?

punkdoc

I have a wild Hawthorn hedge, which is beautiful.

I know the ? Pauls Scarlet variety, which is very nice, but can't really give any advice.

RoddersUK

Yes, we saw that one, it does look nice. I think i'll take a punt at the Crimson Cloud

Jellyfire

Hawthorn is lovely, and great for wildlife but if you are a big fan of cherry, they are pretty good for wildlife too, blossom, fruit and also a food plant for a decent selection of caterpillars and insects so I’d say just go with your favourite 

KeenOnGreen

@RoddersUK I can heartily recommend Crimson Cloud. Ours is just about to come into bloom now, it's a stunner.

punkdoc

Most ornamental cherries do not fruit.

RoddersUK

I've gone for the Crimson Cloud, ordered!

There is a blossom outside our house, that one will do, lol.

Fairygirl

I would have gone for hawthorn if it was my choice. Many cherries can get easily damaged by frosts if you're in an area where they come into growth and flower earlier [I'm guessing that might be the case with your location]  so you have to choose carefully.  Most hawthorns are a bit later, so it's less likely to happen. 
I hope it does well for you @RoddersUK