Product description
Combining the allure of a weeping tree and a display of bright red fruits, the Malus 'Red Jade' makes a wonderful choice for any garden. It is one of the Crab Apple trees that has a smaller size when fully grown and is ideal for smaller gardens. It is also ideal for adding a delightful display in a restricted or limited space.
This tree offers all-year round interest. In spring small pink buds appear which open into pretty pink-white flowers hanging delicately from the pendulous branches. The leaves emerge as a mid-green colour in spring and remain throughout the summer. They then turn to a lovely yellow and bronze palette before falling in the autumn. When other trees are bare and uninteresting approaching winter, the Malus 'Red Jade' offers small, rounded, red glossy crab apples which appear in the autumn and last well into winter. The fruits are edible and can be used to make delicious crab apple jelly, jams and stewed fruit desserts.
The shiny, bold coloured fruits of the Malus 'Red Jade' are great for attracting birds, bees and other wildlife into your winter garden, creating movement and sound. Your Red Jade is fully hardy. It grows best in fertile, well drained soil and enjoys full sun or partial shade and will reach a height of 3m with a spread of 3m in a 20 year period.
If you think that a small garden cannot offer a lovely fruit harvest - the Malus 'Red Jade' will surprise you!
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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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.