Malus Jelly King ('Mattfru')

RHS Plant Profile
crab apple [Jelly King]

Synonyms

Malus 'Mattfru'

Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Trees

A small, compact, deciduous crab apple tree with pure white flowers in spring. The relatively large fruit is orange, flushed with pink and red, and good for jelly making

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–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
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil in a sunny spot

Propagation

Propagate by chip budding in late summer. Grafting can be carried out in midwinter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Edible fruit

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, woolly aphid, fruit tree red spider mite and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to apple scab, apple canker, blossom wilt, honey fungus and powdery mildews