PLANT OF THE WEEK

CRAB APPLE

This is one of the best trees for a small garden. In spring there’s a superb display of pretty, long-lived and weather-resistant pink, white or red blossom. In autumn, there’s a crop of fruit that looks good before becoming crab apple jelly or food for birds.

Most varieties make a good shape, so look appealing in every season. Nowadays, crab apples are nearly always grafted on to dwarfing rootstocks, which is what keeps them neat, compact and free-flowering from early on in life.

They are easy to grow, doing best on fertile soil that is fairly well-drained, though they cope surprisingly well on heavy-ish land or in an exposed situation.

Plant in autumn. No pruning or regular care is then needed, but a spring feed and mulch is appreciated.