Malus 'Evereste'
We have this beautiful tree planted as a magnificent hedge alongside our kitchen garden. The pinkish tinge to the blossom makes a lovely contrast to the green leaves that are visited by a plethora of pollinating insects; great for the fruit trees and bushes in the productive garden adjacent.
In autumn we have the added benefit of clusters of red crab apples which are fabulous for providing pectin for jam, and food for the hungry blackbirds.
Vital statistics
- Common name
- Crab apple 'Evereste'
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Height & spread
- 7m (22ft) x 6m (20ft)
- Form
- Conical, deciduous tree
- Soil
- Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- Full sun or partial shade
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
Malus
Malus is a genus of about 35 species of deciduous trees and shrubs found in woodlands and thickets throughout northern temperate regions. In spring they produce fragrant flowers typically 2-5cm across, usually shaped like shallow cups. Crab apples are ideal specimen trees for small gardens.
The name Malus is from the Greek melon, a word used for tree fruits with a fleshy exterior. It is one of the parents of the cultivated apple and is often used as a rootstock.
The flowers are followed by edible fruits, although some need cooking to be edible. The fruit flavour improves considerably if the fruit is not harvested until it has been frosted. The fruit is quite variable in size (about 2-4cm in diameter) and quality.
While usually harsh and acid, some cultivars are quite sweet and can be eaten raw. The fruit is rich in pectin and can be used in helping other fruits to set when making jam.
Malus 'Evereste'
Malus 'Evereste' is a conical tree with dark green leaves 8-11cm (3-4in) long. The flowers are freely borne, 5cm (2in) across, red in bud but open white. It is an excellent tree for spring blossom.
The flowers are followed by red-orange-yellow fruit 2.5cm (1in) across.
It grows to a height of 7m (22ft), and spread of 6m (20ft).
Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile moist but well-drained soil in full sun, although partial shade is tolerated.
- Minimal pruning is needed in late winter or early spring, when the tree is dormant. Remove damaged, wayward or crossing shoots.
- Aphids, red spider mites, caterpillars, apple scab, honey fungus, canker, fireblight and mildew may cause problems.
Propagation
- Bud in late summer. Graft in midwinter.
- Sow seed in a seedbed in autumn as soon as it is ripe, and it should germinate in late winter, though cultivars will not come true to type.
AGM
The RHS Woody Plant Committee awarded Malus 'Evereste' an Award of Garden Merit and described it as a:
'Small deciduous tree, broadly conical in outline, with more or less lobed leaves. Flowers 5cm wide, white, opening from red buds; fruit to 2.5cm long, yellowish-orange.'