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Malus 'Roberts Crab'
crab apple (syn. Malus Dr Campbells)
Exceptionally large, dark purple-black fruit make this self-fertile crab apple an unusual addition to the garden. The abundant pink flowers in...
9 litre pot | MM106 root stock | 1.8m
In stock (delivery within 2-3 working days)
12 litre pot | MM106 root stock | 1.6m
available to order from spring 2027
bare root | MM106 root stock | 1m tall
available to order from autumn
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Delivery options
Plant description
Exceptionally large, dark purple-black fruit make this self-fertile crab apple an unusual addition to the garden. The abundant pink flowers in spring contrast well against the slightly bronzed new leaves.
In late summer the dark fruits ripen, and its dark flesh makes delicious jams, jellies and is also very good for juicing, keeping its burgundy colour. It is thought Malus 'Roberts Crab' was originally developed for cider, but the flavoursome juice can be drunk on its own or blended with other cultlivars.
In late summer the dark fruits ripen, and its dark flesh makes delicious jams, jellies and is also very good for juicing, keeping its burgundy colour. It is thought Malus 'Roberts Crab' was originally developed for cider, but the flavoursome juice can be drunk on its own or blended with other cultlivars.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Malus Roberts Crab:
When planting your flowering crab, prepare a hole up to three times the diameter of its root system. Fork over the base of the pit in readiness, incorporating plenty of organic matter into the backfill and planting hole. Avoiding frozen and waterlogged soil, trees should be planted out as they arrive.
If you've ordered a bare root tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour prior to planting, or if this is not possible, they can be heeled in temporarily, covering their roots with soil, or potted up. Choose a sheltered spot to protect emerging blossom.
Remove dead, diseased and crossing branches while the tree is dormant during the winter months.
If you've ordered a bare root tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour prior to planting, or if this is not possible, they can be heeled in temporarily, covering their roots with soil, or potted up. Choose a sheltered spot to protect emerging blossom.
Remove dead, diseased and crossing branches while the tree is dormant during the winter months.
Please note:
This plant is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
