About
A medium-sized, spreading tree to about 6m with arching branches. Vibrant, deep pink flowers are produced in mid-spring, followed by small, roundish, deep purple-red fruit. Leaves open dark red, maturing to dark reddish-green with red veins.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-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 usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
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; will tolerate partial shade
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 canker, powdery mildews, fireblight and honey fungus; said to be resistant to apple scab