About
An upright tree with a rounded habit and dark green foliage. Pink buds open to masses of semi-double pale pink flowers which mature to white, followed yellow-green crab-apple fruits flushed with red in autumn which may persist into winter. Established trees have some tolerance to drought. Good resistance to scab and fireblight.
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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Trees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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. Requires minimal pruning in late winter to remove dead, damaged or diseased wood. Avoid pruning in spring as fresh cuts can introduce fireblight
PropagationPropagate by chip budding in late summer. Grafting can be carried out in midwinter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, woolly aphid, fruit tree red spider mite and caterpillars may be a problem
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to apple canker, powdery mildews and honey fungus