About
A species of small to medium-sized deciduous apple tree reaching a height of between 8 and 10m, specifically used in the production of cider it produces crisp yet sweet fruit. There are many cultivars of Malus domestica used for cider-making, all with their own distinct flavours and characteristics.
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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Trees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
SpreadWider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationPrefers deep, fertile, moist but well-drained, neutral soil in a sunny, sheltered position. Will not thrive on very acid soils, shallow chalk soils or with shade for more than half the day. May require fruit thinning to improve fruit size and quality. See apple cultivation
PruningPrune according to chosen training method. See apple pruning
PropagationPropagate by chip budding in late summer, or grafting in mid-winter. Plants grown from pips are unlikely to resemble the parent
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, including rosy apple aphid and woolly aphid, fruit tree red spider mite, codling moth and other caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to apple canker, apple scab, blossom wilt, brown rot, fireblight, honey fungus and powdery mildews