About
A small, deciduous crab-apple with a rounded habit and oval-shaped green foliage with a hint of dark maroon-red turns to orange-red in autumn. Pink buds open to double, dark rose-pink flowers in the spring, followed by small orange fruit which mature in the autumn and provide winter interest.
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 typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
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
FragranceFlower
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 fertile, deep, moist, loamy soil in a sunny position; will tolerate partial shade
PruningPruning group 1. Requires minimal pruning in late winter or spring to remove dead, damaged or diseased wood
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in a seedbed in autumn, by chip budding in late summer or grafting in midwinter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, woolly aphid, fruit tree red spider mite and caterpillars may be a problem
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to apple scab, apple canker, fireblight, powdery mildews and honey fungus