Crab Apple John Downie

Malus John Downie, or the Crab Apple John Downie, is a deciduous tree known for its pretty white flowers that emerge in spring from pink buds, providing a profuse display of the classic Malus flower. The fruits are abundant, ovoid, and 3 cm long, with bright red and orange-yellow hues. They have a good flavour and are useful in making preserves and Crab Apple jelly. In the autumn, the foliage turns classically lemony yellow and brown.

Malus John Downie is extremely popular. In 2002, it won the updated Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

At maturity, this tree forms a small tree with an irregular, oval crown and requires little or no pruning. It thrives on most soils and is especially useful for planting on clay soils.

Chip budding can be done in late summer, and grafting can be carried out in midwinter for propagation.

Suggested planting locations and garden types include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, and wildlife gardens. It can be positioned in full sun or partial shade.

Ultimate spread: 4–8 meters

If you live in an area prone to rabbits or deer, we recommend rabbit guards for these trees.

Mature height: 3-7m

Common names

Crab Apple John Downie

Height of tree

3-7m

Soil type

Well drained, Clay, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Oval

Blossom Colour

White

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Good for bees, Award

Looks good in

Autumn, Spring

Location

Garden, Parkland