Crab Apple Hedge (Malus sylvestris)

Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris) Hedge Plant Description

Crab Apple hedging is a vibrant addition to any garden, offering an abundance of fruit and flowers that attract a wide range of wildlife. Its beautiful, summery blossoms are especially favoured by bees, and Crab Apple trees support approximately 90 different species of insects and birds.

The fruit, resembling miniature yellow-green apples, is edible, though its sour taste makes it less suited for eating raw. However, Crab Apples are ideal for making delicious jellies, with the best time for harvesting being just after the first frost.

Crab Apple hedging is tolerant of most soil types and thrives in sunny or partially shaded conditions. Frequently used in mixed native hedging, this hardy plant grows at a rate of 20-40 cm per year.

Bare root Crab Apple hedging is available from November to late April. For effective planting, three plants per square metre will suffice to form a hedge, but for a denser hedge, five plants are recommended, or seven in a double staggered row for faster results. Cell-grown Crab Apple shrubs, which are available year-round, should be planted at four per metre in a single row or six per metre in a staggered row for optimal coverage.

Pruning Advice

Crab Apple hedge trimming should be carried out twice a year: once in early spring during the colder days, and again in early winter. Ensure that the plant has entered dormancy before the winter pruning, and avoid trimming when frost is expected.

Further Information

Our recommended planting densities for each size and root type are detailed in the product grid. We advise using these recommendations as a guideline, considering the time frame you are willing to wait for your hedge to mature. As a general reference, bare root plants can be planted at densities ranging from 3 to 7 per metre, while cell-grown plants should be planted between 4 and 6 per metre. Higher densities may require planting in a double staggered row or a zig-zag pattern.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.