Overview
Malus 'Katy' is a bushy tree in the genus Malus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Malus 'Katy' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental, garden tree and wildlife garden.
About
Malus 'Katy' (Katy Crabapple) is a cultivar of Malus, a genus comprising small deciduous trees or shrubs in the rose family Rosaceae. This tree thrives in full sun and is hardy to UK zone H5. It is suitable for ornamental use, garden planting, and wildlife gardens. 'Katy' prefers well-drained soil and tolerates urban conditions, benefiting from regular watering during dry spells. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove any dead or crossing branches. Propagation is typically achieved through grafting or budding.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Malus
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Malus 'Katy' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- tree
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- ornamental, garden tree, wildlife garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Malus 'Katy'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; tolerant of urban conditions; benefits from regular watering during dry periods.
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches.
- Propagation
- grafting, budding
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Woolly aphid, Rosy apple aphid, 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
How do I grow Malus 'Katy'?
Prefers well-drained soil; tolerant of urban conditions; benefits from regular watering during dry periods.
Where is the best place to plant Malus 'Katy'?
Malus 'Katy' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Malus 'Katy' need?
Malus 'Katy' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Malus 'Katy'?
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches.
Is Malus 'Katy' hardy in the UK?
Malus 'Katy' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Malus 'Katy'?
Grafting, budding.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Malus genus
- Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' (C/D)
- Malus domestica 'Fair Maid of Devon' (Cider)
- Malus domestica 'Lady Hollendale' (D)
- Malus domestica 'Llwyd Hanner Goch' (D)
- Malus domestica 'Sussex Mother' (C/D)
- Malus domestica 'Veitch's Perfection' (C/D)
- Malus domestica Redlove Circe ('Lureprec'PBR) (Redlove Series) (C/D)