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Malus Jelly King ('Mattfru')
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

crab apple [Jelly King]

A small, compact, deciduous crab apple tree with pure white flowers in spring. The relatively large fruit is orange, flushed with pink and red, and good for jelly making

Synonyms
Malus 'Mattfru'
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green Orange Pink Red
Winter Orange Pink Red
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical 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

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil in a sunny spot

Propagation

Propagate by chip budding in late summer. Grafting can be carried out in midwinter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Edible fruit
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 scab, apple canker, blossom wilt, honey fungus and powdery mildews

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