Malus x robusta

Malus x robusta (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Spring

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 8m

Eventual Spread: 6m

Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Family: Rosaceae

Malus x robusta is a deciduous tree with a spreading habit. Its mid green leaves are elliptic to ovate with serrulate margins, up to 8cm long and 4cm broad. Its grey/ brown bark is smooth when young becoming fissured with age. Its white flowers are up to 3cm across and appear in groups of up to 8. Its dark red fruit are pomes, up to 25mm across, appear in autumn and persist on the tree during the winter months.

Malus x robusta Fruit (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Malus x robusta, commonly known as Crabapple, is a cross between Malus baccata and Malus prunifolia.

The etymological root of the binomial name Malus is the ancient Latin name for the apple tree. Robusta is derived from the Latinrobustus

The landscape architect may find Malus x robusta useful as a small tree with attractive spring flowers and winter fruit. This tree is tolerant of urban pollution.

Ecologically, Malus x robusta flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its fruit are attractive to birds and some mammals.

Malus x robusta Bark (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

The Royal Horticultural Society has given the variety Malus x robusta ‘Red Sentinel’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Malus x robusta prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes wet soils.

Malus x robusta requires little maintenance.