About
A small, upright, deciduous tree, widening with age to 4m tall with ovate to elliptic, toothed dark green leaves. The abundant, single, ivory white flowers are produced in spring, these are followed by small dark red fruit that persist on the tree well into the winter.
About the genus
Malus are small to medium-sized deciduous trees with showy flowers in spring and ornamental or edible fruit in autumn; some have good autumn foliage colour
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. It will tolerate light shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by budding or grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, woolly aphid, fruit tree red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to apple scab, apple canker, blossom wilt, powdery mildew and honey fungus