Malus: The Crab Apples.

Most people think of flowering cherries for spring blossom,but the crab apples have some distinct advantages.the fall display of ornamental fruit,large enough in some varieties for jelly making. Flowering crabs will grow in any reasonably fertile soil and are best in an open, sunny aspect.Most grow to about 25´ Regular pruning is unnecessary,but removal of misplaced and damaged branches can be done in winter after leaf fall. The best sorts are : Malus "Montreal Beauty"- white flowers large orange fruit. Malus "Golden Hornet"-masses of white flowers followed by beautiful , long lasting , yellow fruits. Malus "Profusion"- Crimson flowers,purple foliage and fruit. Malus floribunda - Beautifully shaped arching tree with pale pink blossom and tiny fall fruit. Malus "John Downie" White blossom followed by large reddish orange fruit.