Product description
The Malus ‘Golden Hornet’ brings a stunning display of golden yellow colour to your garden in the autumn when it bursts with ripe and juicy crab apple fruits. The fruits last well into the winter season and are extremely attractive to bees who come for the pollen and nectar. Birds are also attracted to the sweet fruit, bringing sweet sounds and movement into your garden.
In May and June, the tree offers fragrant, pretty white flowers with tinges of pink that smother the branches. The flowers contrast beautifully with the densely packed branches that hold deep green leaves. The leaves turn a bronze, yellow shade in the autumn.
The fully hardy Crab Apple tree starts out with an upright habit and spreads to an oval-headed shape with age. It thrives well in fertile, well drained soil and will tolerate sun and partially shady conditions. The tree is compact and will grow to 5 x 4 metres in 20 years. The Crab Apple tree is easy to care for, simply prune in winter if you notice and dead, broken or diseased branches.
This tree ticks all the right boxes as the perfect addition to your garden. It is pretty to look at all year round, it attracts masses of wildlife and requires little to no maintenance. Plant it for shade and visual appeal. Create a mini orchard, it acts as a pollinating partner for other apples, boosting the fruiting prospects of your other trees.
If you are an ambitious chef, collect the crab apples and use to make delicious tarts, jams and jellies.
Crab Apple Tree
Malus 'Golden Hornet'
Malus 'Golden Hornet'
Product description
The Malus ‘Golden Hornet’ brings a stunning display of golden yellow colour to your garden in the autumn when it bursts with ripe and juicy crab apple fruits. The fruits last well into the winter season and are extremely attractive to bees who come for the pollen and nectar. Birds are also attracted to the sweet fruit, bringing sweet sounds and movement into your garden.
In May and June, the tree offers fragrant, pretty white flowers with tinges of pink that smother the branches. The flowers contrast beautifully with the densely packed branches that hold deep green leaves. The leaves turn a bronze, yellow shade in the autumn.
The fully hardy Crab Apple tree starts out with an upright habit and spreads to an oval-headed shape with age. It thrives well in fertile, well drained soil and will tolerate sun and partially shady conditions. The tree is compact and will grow to 5 x 4 metres in 20 years. The Crab Apple tree is easy to care for, simply prune in winter if you notice and dead, broken or diseased branches.
This tree ticks all the right boxes as the perfect addition to your garden. It is pretty to look at all year round, it attracts masses of wildlife and requires little to no maintenance. Plant it for shade and visual appeal. Create a mini orchard, it acts as a pollinating partner for other apples, boosting the fruiting prospects of your other trees.
If you are an ambitious chef, collect the crab apples and use to make delicious tarts, jams and jellies.
Give your tree the best start
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Feed Malus trees with a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support growth and flowering. Prune annually during winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and maintain an open shape, which improves air circulation and reduces disease risk. For fruiting varieties, thinning the fruitlets in early summer ensures larger, healthier fruits. Protect young trees from harsh winds and frost, as this can damage their growth and blooms.
How to Water
Water Malus trees deeply and regularly during their first year to help them establish a strong root system, especially during dry spells. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from additional watering during prolonged dry periods or when fruit is forming. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation and focus on the base of the tree to avoid wetting foliage, which can lead to fungal issues. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keeps the tree healthy.
How to Plant
To plant Malus, select a sunny position with fertile, well-draining soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth, loosening the soil at the base to encourage root growth. Place the tree in the hole with the graft union above soil level and backfill gently, firming the soil to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot. Space trees appropriately to allow for their eventual size and shape.
