Malus × magdeburgensis

Fruit Edible Trees

A small to medium German heritage variety of crab apple, 6 to 8m in height, with reasonably scab-resistant foliage. Red buds appear in April, opening to masses of fragrant, semi-double, purple-pink flowers in May, followed by small, pale green-yellow fruits blushed with red in autumn. Athough the fruit is edible when cooked and used for jams or jellies, it is grown primarily for its beautiful blossom

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
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
Bushy, Spreading branched
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
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil in full sun. Can be grown in paved urban areas as it is pollution-tolerant

Propagation

Propagate by grafting in midwinter or Chip budding in late summer on clonal rootstock for fruit. The rootstock will largely determine the vigour of the tree. Fruit grown from pips will not resemble the parent

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

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 canker, fireblight, Powdery mildews and honey fungus. Shows some resistance to apple scab