Product description
Malus ‘Sun Rival’ is a statement tree that is unusual and most definitely eye catching. It is one of the best semi-weeping Crab Apple trees. The tree features small, daintily arching branches, which at times sweep to the ground. The umbrella shaped branches are filled with white flowers that open from dark pink buds.
Once the Malus ‘Sun Rival’ Crab Apple tree has flowered, bright vivid red crab apples burst forth in the autumn months. The tree then offers bright red fruits which last well into the winter and droop from the branches in a ‘cherry-like’ bunches. The green foliage that appears in the spring turns to a deep yellow colour in Autumn before falling.
The tree’s yearly fruitful yield may be a little on the small side to use in your culinary creations. The fruit however, will not go to waste. Not only do they provide an incredible display for winter but also provide food for the indigenous wildlife in your garden. The bees find the flowers most attractive due to their rich pollen and nectar supply.
Malus ‘Sun Rival’ is a small tree that will grow to a height of 3m and a spread of 3m in a 20 year period. It will do well in all soil types but prefers fertile, well drained soil. This tree has been given an RHS Award of Garden Merit and will grow perfectly in your urban garden as it can handle pollution well. It is one of the few Crab Apple trees that are completely disease free, making it even more easy to plant and grow. It will also flourish as a potted plant when given the correct care.
Crab Apple Tree
Malus 'Sun Rival'
Malus 'Sun Rival'
Product description
Malus ‘Sun Rival’ is a statement tree that is unusual and most definitely eye catching. It is one of the best semi-weeping Crab Apple trees. The tree features small, daintily arching branches, which at times sweep to the ground. The umbrella shaped branches are filled with white flowers that open from dark pink buds.
Once the Malus ‘Sun Rival’ Crab Apple tree has flowered, bright vivid red crab apples burst forth in the autumn months. The tree then offers bright red fruits which last well into the winter and droop from the branches in a ‘cherry-like’ bunches. The green foliage that appears in the spring turns to a deep yellow colour in Autumn before falling.
The tree’s yearly fruitful yield may be a little on the small side to use in your culinary creations. The fruit however, will not go to waste. Not only do they provide an incredible display for winter but also provide food for the indigenous wildlife in your garden. The bees find the flowers most attractive due to their rich pollen and nectar supply.
Malus ‘Sun Rival’ is a small tree that will grow to a height of 3m and a spread of 3m in a 20 year period. It will do well in all soil types but prefers fertile, well drained soil. This tree has been given an RHS Award of Garden Merit and will grow perfectly in your urban garden as it can handle pollution well. It is one of the few Crab Apple trees that are completely disease free, making it even more easy to plant and grow. It will also flourish as a potted plant when given the correct care.
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.
