Malus toringo 'Scarlett'

RHS Plant Profile
crab apple 'Scarlett'

Synonyms

Malus toringo 'Scarlett'

Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Shrubs Trees

A spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree with arching branches, to about 2.5m high and 3m wide. The foliage emerges purple, matures to glossy green then produces red and yellow tints in autumn. Fragrant, rich pink flowers appear in mid-spring followed by small, persistent, purple fruit

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Although generally edible when cooked, seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruitusually grown as an ornamental shrub. see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Malus are small to medium-sized deciduous trees with showy flowers in spring and ornamental or edible fruit in autumn; some have good autumn foliage colour
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil in a sunny position; will tolerate partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by chip budding in late summer or by grafting in midwinter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, including woolly aphid and rosy apple aphid, fruit tree red spider mite, codling moth and other caterpillars