Malus transitoria
cut-leaf crab apple
A graceful, small deciduous tree with ovate, deeply-lobed leaves which turn yellow in autumn. Profuse single white flowers followed by tiny yellow globose fruits 9mm in length
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow | Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- NW China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in moderately fertile soil; will tolerate partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in a seedbed in autumn or by chip budding in late summer. Grafting can be carried out in midwinter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, including woolly aphid and rosy apple aphid, fruit tree red spider mite, codling moth and other caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to apple canker, apple scab, blossom wilt, brown rot, fireblight, honey fungus and powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.