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Malus Red Obelisk ('Dvp Obel')
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

crab apple [Red Obelisk]

A medium-sized, upright deciduous crab apple with young, purplish leaves that turn dark green as the season progresses. Single pink flowers blossom in spring and turn white as they age. The fruit follows in summer, is deep red and persists on the tree into autumn and is good for making jelly

Synonyms
Malus 'Dvp Obel'
Malus 'Red Obelisk'
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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 Pink White Purple
Summer Green Red
Autumn Green Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical 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

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • 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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