About
Malus sargentii, the Sargent crab apple, is a small, spreading tree to 4 m with oval or three-lobed, dark-green leaves. White flowers are generously borne in late spring, followed by dark-red fruit less than 1 cm across. One of the best compact crab apples for a small or medium-sized garden.
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
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, 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
CultivationBest in moderately fertile soil in a sunny position. See apple cultivation
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