Malus sylvestris - Crab apple hedging
crab apple hedging
A wonderfully floriferous hedging plant for May, the native crab apple has gorgeous, soft pink buds that burst open to reveal pretty white blooms. Plant either as a single species hedge or mix with other natives such as hazel, guelder rose, spindle and blackthorn.
Our bare root hedging range is a very low cost way of planting a hedge. These plants are only available to buy and plant when dormant (November- early April). These plants, with known seed provenance, are grown in rich Herefordshire soil to give them the best possible start in life so they are raring to go by the time they reach you.
Our plants are 1 year old (1+0) which means they have been grown for 1 year in the seed bed. The plants are lifted and graded at between 60-80cm tall, which is a good size to plant hedges at to get good establishment.
To find out more about how to plant a hedge, click here
Our bare root hedging range is a very low cost way of planting a hedge. These plants are only available to buy and plant when dormant (November- early April). These plants, with known seed provenance, are grown in rich Herefordshire soil to give them the best possible start in life so they are raring to go by the time they reach you.
Our plants are 1 year old (1+0) which means they have been grown for 1 year in the seed bed. The plants are lifted and graded at between 60-80cm tall, which is a good size to plant hedges at to get good establishment.
To find out more about how to plant a hedge, click here
How to care for Malus sylvestris:
For best results, plant bare root specimens as soon as they arrive, between November and March, into well-prepared, fertile soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. Soak roots before planting and firm the soil well around each plant, spacing evenly to create a dense hedge line. Water thoroughly after planting and during the first growing season to help establish strong root
Once established, prune during winter while the plants are dormant to maintain a neat shape and encourage bushy, productive growth. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches and lightly trim side shoots to promote a dense framework. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring and mulch around the base with well-rotted organic matter to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water during prolonged dry spells, particularly while young plants are becoming established.
If flowering and fruit production are important, prune lightly after flowering or during winter dormancy, removing only overcrowded, damaged or poorly positioned branches. As Malus domestica flowers on older wood, avoiding heavy annual pruning will help ensure a reliable display of spring blossom followed by ornamental or edible fruits later in the season.
Once established, prune during winter while the plants are dormant to maintain a neat shape and encourage bushy, productive growth. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches and lightly trim side shoots to promote a dense framework. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring and mulch around the base with well-rotted organic matter to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water during prolonged dry spells, particularly while young plants are becoming established.
If flowering and fruit production are important, prune lightly after flowering or during winter dormancy, removing only overcrowded, damaged or poorly positioned branches. As Malus domestica flowers on older wood, avoiding heavy annual pruning will help ensure a reliable display of spring blossom followed by ornamental or edible fruits later in the season.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
12m
Eventual spread:
8m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This plant is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
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Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten
