About
A graceful, small deciduous tree with ovate, deeply-lobed leaves which turn yellow in autumn. Profuse single white flowers followed by tiny yellow globose fruits 9mm in length.
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, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
Native toNW China
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
CultivationGrows best in moderately fertile soil; will tolerate partial shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in a seedbed in autumn or by chip budding in late summer. Grafting can be carried out in midwinter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, including woolly aphid and rosy apple aphid, fruit tree red spider mite, codling moth and other caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to apple canker, apple scab, blossom wilt, brown rot, fireblight, honey fungus and powdery mildews