About
Malus florentina, the hawthorn-leaved crab apple, is a small tree to 6 m with a rounded crown and recognisable, lobed and toothed leaves with a woolly underside, turning orange and scarlet in autumn. Flat, pure-white flowers in mid- to late spring are followed by small, egg-shaped, reddish-green fruit 1 cm across on long stalks. A distinctive and beautiful small garden tree.
About the genus
Malus, the crab apples, are small to medium-sized deciduous trees with showy white, pink or red flowers in spring and ornamental or edible fruit in autumn. Some species offer additional autumn foliage colour. Among the most popular of all flowering trees for garden use.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
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
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toS Europe
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
CultivationBest in moderately fertile soil in a sunny position
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in a seedbed in autumn, or by budding in late summer or grafting in mid-winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, including woolly aphid, fruit tree red spider mite and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to apple canker, apple scab, blossom wilt, brown rot, fireblight, honey fungus and powdery mildews