By Garyman
West Midlands,
United Kingdom 
I planted a hawthorn hedge three years ago. It is growing beautifully but has never flowered. Can anyone tell me whether it takes some time before the hawthorn flowers - or do I need to do something to promote flowering. I prune the hedge each year after the growing season. Hope someone can advise. Gary
1 Jun, 2010
Answers
Hawthorn branches need to be 2 or 3 years old before they will flower.
1 Jun, 2010
many thanks for your suggestions. garyman
1 Jun, 2010
, it flowers in the spring so if you prune it late autumn you cut off the flowering wood, the problem is that the birds nest in the hedge and if you cut it after flowering ( nowish) you remove the berries and disturb the birds, if you leave it later then you remove the flowering wood,country hedges are not allowed to be cut until late autumn to protect wildlife, if yours is domestic could you just cut the top growth and leave the side branches for the flowers & berries and alternate it each year ?
1 Jun, 2010