About
A very slow-growing, compact, rounded, small tree with small, narrowly oval, grey-green leaves. In mid- to late spring produces semi-double, pink and white blossom from rich pink buds, followed by bronze-green fruit 1cm across.
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
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
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
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 moderately fertile soil in a sunny position. Often sold grafted onto a stem to produce a lollipop shape suitable for growing in a container
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by chip budding in late summer or grafting in mid-winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, woolly aphid, fruit tree red spider mite and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to apple scab, apple canker, powdery mildews, fireblight and honey fungus