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Malus tschonoskii

Malus tschonoskii is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators

Malus tschonoskii is a Japanese ornamental crab-apple species. It features pale pink blossom which opens to pure white in spring, followed by small dull green/red fruitlets.

The main autumn attraction is not the blossom or the fruitlets, but the leaves, which are larger than is usual for crab-apples. Over summer the undersides of the leaves have an unusual grey-green colour (similar to some Whitebeams).  In autumn they are a stunning fiery orange colours of the leaves - this is one of the best crab-apples for autumn colour.

The tree grows with a strongly conical or pyramidal shape.

Malus tschonoskii crab-apple trees for sale

  • 11-year bare-root tree £44.00
    Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
    Out of stock
    Sorry we have sold out for this season
  • 22-year pot-grown tree £65.50
    In a 7L pot
    Medium size (2.5m-3.5m after 10 years)
    Out of stock
    Sorry we have sold out for this season
  • 32-year pot-grown tree £72.00
    In a 12L pot
    Medium size (2.5m-3.5m after 10 years)
    Out of stock
    Sorry we have sold out for this season

History

Malus tschonoskii is a species of crab apple native to Japan. It was brought to western attention at the end of the 19th century, when the influential collector Charles Sargent brought seeds back to the Arnold Arboretum in the USA. It is sometimes known as the Chonosuki crab.

Malus tschonoskii characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Attractive featuresAttractive flowersAttractive tree / plantAutumn foliage colourScented flowers
  • Growth habitUprightPyramidal
  • Height after 10 years2.5m-3.5m / 8ft-12ft
  • SunlightPrefers full sun
  • PruningLight prune
  • Growth rateAverage
  • Site conditionsSheltered site
  • WildlifeRHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Flower colourWhite
  • Flower formSingle flower (5-8 petals)
  • Flowering monthMay
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • Leaf colour - autumnOrange / Red
  • Fruit colourGreen / Red
  • Fruit sizeSmall
  • Fruit persistencePersistent
  • Country of originJapan
  • Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

  • Malus tschonoskii
    Belmonte
    An improved form of the traditional Japanese crab-apple species, with white blossom and superb autumn leaf colours.

How to choose a crab-apple tree

We list more than 40 different crab-apple trees. Choosing can be difficult! See our article explaining the different characteristics of crab-apple trees which will help you narrow down the selection.

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2022.