Malus hupehensis
(Hupeh Crab)
Family - Rosaceae
Category - Tree
Origin - China, Japan
Discovered By - Introduced by Ernest Wilson
Year of Introduction - 1900
Season of Interest - Spring, Autumn
Hardiness - H6
Height - up to 10m, possibly more
Width - 10m
Location - The Topiary Meadow
Description: Small to medium-sized Deciduous tree with an upright, spreading habit and mid to dark green foliage. Clusters of beautiful white, bowl-shaped flowers open from pink-tinged buds in mid to late spring and are followed by round, deep red crab apples. The leaves of Malus hupehensis have been used in China to make tea.
Additional common name - Tea Crabapple
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Flower:
Clusters of scented, white bowl-shaped flowers open from pink-tinged buds in April and May. Flowers are followed by small, round crab apples that turn deep red in autumn.
Flower colour: White
Flower shape: Bowl-shaped flowers in clusters
Flowering time: April, May
Foliage:
Mid to dark green leaves are ovate to Elliptic in shape.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Elliptic to ovate
Propagation:
Seed, grafting.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun to partial shade in reasonably fertile, moisture retentive, but well drained soil.