Overview
Malus 'Butterball' is a spreading branched trees in the genus Malus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 4-8 metres tall and 4-8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Malus 'Butterball' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, attractive to pollinators and low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, city and courtyard gardens and wildlife gardens.
About
Malus 'Butterball' is a compact, spreading crabapple with branches that have a gentle droop. In the spring, its leaves emerge in a grey-green hue, accompanied by pink buds that bloom into single white flowers tinged with pink. The tree produces fruit that measures 2-3 cm in diameter, featuring a yellow-orange color accented by a red blush.
About the genus
Malus comprises small to medium-sized deciduous trees that display prominent blossoms in the spring and bear ornamental or edible fruit in the fall. Several species also exhibit attractive foliage during the autumn months.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Malus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Malus 'Butterball' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
- Toxicity
- Although 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
Pruning and caring for Malus 'Butterball'
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile soil in a sunny position
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by chip budding in late summer. Grafting can be carried out in midwinter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, including woolly aphid and rosy apple aphid, fruit tree red spider mite, codling moth and other caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to apple canker, apple scab, blossom wilt, brown rot, fireblight, honey fungus and powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Malus 'Butterball'?
Grow in moderately fertile soil in a sunny position.
Where is the best place to plant Malus 'Butterball'?
Malus 'Butterball' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Malus 'Butterball' need?
Malus 'Butterball' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Malus 'Butterball'?
Pruning group 1.
How big does Malus 'Butterball' grow?
Malus 'Butterball' reaches a height of 4-8 metres and a spread of 4-8 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Malus 'Butterball' hardy in the UK?
Malus 'Butterball' has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Malus 'Butterball'?
Propagate by chip budding in late summer. Grafting can be carried out in midwinter.
Is Malus 'Butterball' good for pollinators?
Yes — Malus 'Butterball' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Malus 'Butterball' toxic?
Although 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.