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John Downie Crab Apple Ornamental Tree (Malus 'John Downie')

The John Downie crab apple is a delightful ornamental tree prized for its stunning seasonal displays. In spring, it bursts into life with clusters of fragrant, pale pink flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. By autumn, these flowers give way to large, bright orange-red crab apples, which can persist into winter, providing vibrant colour and a food source for birds.
  • Medium Growth Rate
  • Pink Flowers
  • Deciduous
  • Plant Guarantee
  • Planting Conditions: The John Downie crab apple tree thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil, adaptable to various types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0) is optimal for healthy growth.
  • When selecting a planting site, ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, and position the tree in a sheltered area away from strong winds, particularly during the blooming period when the blossoms are most delicate.
  • Growth Rate: moderate growth rate, typically growing about 30-60 cm per year. It generally reaches a mature height of around 4-5 metres with a spread of about 3-4 metres, making it suitable for smaller gardens and urban areas.
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John Downie Crab Apple Ornamental Tree Bare root. For seasonal/pre-order availability and pricing, call 0330 236 7330.
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John Downie Crab Apple Ornamental Tree Description

The John Downie crab apple (Malus John Downie) is a popular ornamental tree admired for its beautiful seasonal displays and wildlife-friendly characteristics. Typically reaching a mature height of 4-5 metres with a spread of around 3-4 metres, it is ideal for smaller gardens, urban landscapes, and even as a feature tree in larger spaces.

In spring, the John Downie comes alive with clusters of fragrant pale pink flowers that bloom around April and May. These blossoms are not only visually stunning but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any garden focused on biodiversity.

As the seasons progress into autumn, the blossoms give way to large, bright orange-red crab apples. These fruits provide a striking visual contrast against the tree’s green foliage and can persist into winter, offering food for birds and other wildlife during the colder months. The leaves are lush and green during the growing season, transforming into a warm golden-yellow in autumn, which adds further seasonal interest.

Pruning Advice

Although generally low-maintenance, the John Downie benefits from light pruning to maintain its shape and health. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Focus on removing any dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches to promote air circulation within the canopy. This not only helps to prevent disease but also enhances flowering and fruiting in the following season.

Regular maintenance also involves removing any suckers that may arise from the base, which can divert energy away from the main tree. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can lead to a reduction in blooms and fruit production.

Further Information

Wildlife-friendly: Attracts pollinators in spring and provides food for birds in winter.

Seasonal interest: Offers stunning spring blossoms, lush summer foliage, vibrant autumn fruits, and beautiful autumn leaf colour.

Compact size: Ideal for small gardens and urban settings, fitting well in various landscape designs.

Hardy and disease-resistant: Adaptable to different soil types and conditions, making it a robust choice for UK gardens.

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.

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