About
Malus baccata, the Siberian crab apple, is a vigorous, rounded tree to about 15 m with dark-green leaves. Abundant white blossom in mid- to late spring is followed by long-stalked, red or yellow fruit just 1 cm across � a spectacular display in autumn. A beautiful and tough crab apple for a large garden.
About the genus
Malus, the crab apples, are small to medium-sized deciduous trees with showy white, pink or red flowers in spring and ornamental or edible fruit in autumn. Some species offer additional autumn foliage colour. Among the most popular of all flowering trees for garden use.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Native toAsia
ToxicityAlthough generally edible when cooked, seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruit, usually grown as an ornamental shrub. see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationBest in moderately fertile soil in a sunny position
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in a seedbed in autumn, or by budding in late summer or grafting in mid-winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, including woolly aphid, fruit tree red spider mite and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to apple canker, apple scab, blossom wilt, brown rot, fireblight, honey fungus and powdery mildews