Overview
Malus sylvestris is a bushy tree in the genus Malus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Malus sylvestris grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens and edible fruit. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Portugal Continental.
About
Malus sylvestris, the European crab apple, also known as the European wild apple or simply the crab apple, is a species of the genus Malus. Its scientific name means "forest apple", reflecting its habitat.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Malus sylvestris
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Malus sylvestris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Edible fruit
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Portugal Continental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Malus sylvestris
- Propagation
- Seed sown in a seedbed in autumn, Chip budding in late summer, Grafting in midwinter
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Woolly aphid, Fruit tree red spider mite, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Apple scab, Honey fungus, Apple canker, Fireblight, Blossom wilt, Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Malus sylvestris?
Malus sylvestris prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Malus sylvestris need?
Malus sylvestris is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Malus sylvestris hardy in the UK?
Malus sylvestris has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Malus sylvestris?
Seed sown in a seedbed in autumn, Chip budding in late summer, Grafting in midwinter.
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)