Overview
Malus 'Van Eseltine' is a columnar upright trees in the genus Malus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 4-8 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Malus 'Van Eseltine' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens.
About
This upright tree reaches a height of up to 8 meters, featuring glossy, medium-green leaves. In spring, red buds unfurl into pink, double blooms. The flowering is succeeded by small fruits that are yellow with a red blush.
About the genus
Malus comprises small to medium-sized deciduous trees that display prominent blossoms in the spring and bear ornamental or edible fruit in the fall. Several species also exhibit attractive foliage during the autumn months.
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, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Malus 'Van Eseltine' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens
- Toxicity
- Although 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
Pruning and caring for Malus 'Van Eseltine'
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile soil; will tolerate partial shade
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by chip budding in late summer. Grafting can be carried out in midwinter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, including woolly aphid and rosy apple aphid, fruit tree red spider mite, codling moth and other caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to apple canker, apple scab, blossom wilt, brown rot, fireblight, honey fungus and powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Malus 'Van Eseltine'?
Grow in moderately fertile soil; will tolerate partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Malus 'Van Eseltine'?
Malus 'Van Eseltine' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Malus 'Van Eseltine' need?
Malus 'Van Eseltine' 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 to well-drained.
How do I prune Malus 'Van Eseltine'?
Pruning group 1.
How big does Malus 'Van Eseltine' grow?
Malus 'Van Eseltine' reaches a height of 4-8 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Malus 'Van Eseltine' hardy in the UK?
Malus 'Van Eseltine' has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Malus 'Van Eseltine'?
Propagate by chip budding in late summer. Grafting can be carried out in midwinter.
Is Malus 'Van Eseltine' toxic?
Although 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.