About
A deciduous, conical to spreading tree up to 15m tall with downy young shoots. Maple-like leaves have 3 deep main lobes and each lobe may be further lobed and toothed; foliage emerges glossy green and turns bright red in autumn. Large, white flowers to 4cm across are borne in loose clusters and followed by greenish fruits that may be flushed red.
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
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toE Mediterranean, N E Greece
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 in a sunny position; will tolerate partial shade
PruningPruning group 1
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, 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