About
Malus tschonoskii, the Chonosuki crab apple, is a vigorous, narrowly conical, deciduous tree to 12 m with ovate, glossy, mid-green leaves turning bright orange, red and purple in autumn. White flowers from pink buds, followed by fruit to 2.5 cm across, greenish-yellow tinged red. One of the finest ornamental crab apples for outstanding autumn colour.
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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Architectural, Wildlife gardens
Native toJapan
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; 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