Crab Apple

Malus John Downie

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: May
• Hardiness: fully hardy

  
  Masses of cup-shaped, white flowers open from pale pink buds in May, followed by large, oval, orange and scarlet fruit, which are both highly ornamental and valuable for making preserves. This vigorous crab apple flowers and fruits best in full sun and the foliage turns wonderful shades of yellow and burnt orange in autumn. Upright, becoming conical with age, it makes a glorious specimen tree for a small, urban garden.
  

• Garden care: When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly. Remove dead, diseased and crossing branches while the tree is dormant.