Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' (C/D) — Columnar upright

Overview

Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' (C/D) is a plant with a columnar upright habit in the genus Malus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' (C/D) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, architectural, city and courtyard gardens and wildlife gardens.

About

A columnar upright cultivar of Malus domestica in the rose family, Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' has a narrowly vertical habit that suits tight sites. It is deciduous and produces its spring blossom in the UK from April to May. Best grown in full sun or partial shade on moist, well-drained soils.

About the genus

Malus is a genus of about 32–57 species of small deciduous trees or shrubs in the family Rosaceae, including the domesticated orchard apple, crab apples, and wild apples.

Wikipedia contributors, "Malus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Malus

In the garden

Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' is a columnar cultivar within the Rosaceae chosen for its narrow, upright outline and spring blossom (April to May). As a deciduous apple it offers seasonal structure rather than a wide canopy, making it an option where horizontal space is restricted. Plant in full sun or partial shade on soils described as chalk, clay, loam or sand; the cultivar tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH but prefers a moist yet well-drained rooting medium. It is rated H6, translated as very hardy in UK terms. Positioning can be on any aspect — south-, west-, east- or north-facing — and it will cope with both exposed and sheltered sites when established. Its compact columnar habit suits patios and containers as well as city courtyards, wildlife gardens and cottage or informal borders where a vertical accent is needed. For confined plots or narrow drivesides the cultivar provides spring floral interest without wide lateral spread, making Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' a practical vertical choice for small urban and suburban gardens.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Malus

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' (C/D) size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Columnar upright
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' (C/D)

Propagation: Seed sown in a seedbed in autumn, Chip budding in late summer, Grafting in mid-winter
Pest resistance: Aphids, Fruit tree red spider mite, Codling moth, Other caterpillars
Disease resistance: Apple canker, Apple scab, Blossom wilt, Brown rot, Fireblight, Honey fungus, Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' (C/D)?

Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' (C/D) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' (C/D) need?

Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' (C/D) 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.

Is Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' (C/D) hardy in the UK?

Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' (C/D) has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' (C/D)?

Seed sown in a seedbed in autumn, Chip budding in late summer, Grafting in mid-winter.

More in the Malus genus

Browse all Malus →