GardenWizzPlant Care Card

Crab Apple

Malus sylvestris · Tree

Hardiness
H6 Hardy — very cold winter (to −20 to −15°C)
Position
Full sun, Partial shade
Height × Spread
14 m × 4–8 m
Soil
Moist but well-drained; moderately fertile; enriched with organic matter; tolerant of acid, alkaline, and neutral pH.
Flowering
May–June
Toxicity
The pips/seeds contain cyanide-forming compounds — do not eat the seeds; the fruit flesh is edible cooked (e.g. crab-apple jelly). (RHS.)

The Gardening Year

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
🌱 Sow
🪴 Plant out
🌸 In flower
✂️ Prune

Watch out for

Apple scab: Rake up fallen leaves in autumn and apply a fungicide spray at bud burst if severe.

Powdery mildew: Prune to improve air circulation and apply a suitable fungicide at bud burst.

Aphids: Encourage natural predators like ladybirds or use a horticultural oil spray in early spring.

Woolly aphid: Scrape off infested areas and apply horticultural oil or systemic insecticide if severe.

Winter moth caterpillars: Fit tree bands in autumn to trap egg-laying moths or apply a dormant oil spray.

Full guide: gardenwizz.com/plants/malus-sylvestris © GardenWizz — UK gardening encyclopedia