Malus florentina
hawthorn-leaved crab apple
A small tree to 6m with a rounded crown and distinctive, lobed and toothed leaves with a woolly underside, turning orange and scarlet in autumn. Flat, pure white flowers in mid- to late spring are followed by small, egg-shaped, reddish-green fruit 1cm across, on long stalks
Other common names
Florentine crab appleSynonyms
× Malosorbus florentinaPyrus crataegifolia
see moreMalus crataegifolia
Crataegus × florentina
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Orange Red | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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 fruit, usually 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
Correct
- Plant range
- S Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Best in moderately fertile soil in a sunny position
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in a seedbed in autumn, or by budding in late summer or grafting in mid-winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, including woolly aphid, fruit tree red spider mite and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to apple canker, apple scab, blossom wilt, brown rot, fireblight, honey fungus and powdery mildews
Get involved
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