Crataegus monogyna subsp. azarolus
Thorny shrub with abundant white flowers and red fruit in autumn. Widely used in traditional hedgerows.
The white hawthorn is a hardy, easy-to-grow shrub that requires full sun exposure (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) to bloom abundantly in spring. Plant it preferably in autumn or winter in well-drained soil, as it tolerates poor, dry substrates and is highly frost-resistant down to -15 °C. Watering should be sparse once established, relying on natural rainfall in Mediterranean climates and always avoiding waterlogged roots. Given its potential height of 2 to 4 metres, allow enough space in the outdoor garden for its thorny canopy to develop, making it ideal for traditional hedgerows.