Autumn 2024Order now for delivery from week commencing 25th November for pot grown trees or December for bare-root or mixed tree orders.
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Malus hupehensis crab apple trees

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Malus hupehensis has received the RHS Award of Garden MeritMalus hupehensis is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Self-fertility: Partially self-fertile
  • Blossom colour: White
  • Fruit colour: Green / Red
  • Awards: RHS AGM (current) 1993

The Hupeh Crab is a traditional spreading crab-apple, with masses of small white flowers, followed by small red-tinged fruitlets.

It grows in a pleasing spreading fashion, looking attractive even in winter, making it a good choice as a specimen tree in a large lawn.

Malus hupehensis crab apple trees for sale

Pot-grown

All pot-grown trees are suitable for planting out in the garden, some are suitable for growing in containers.

  • PG12-year 12L pot-grown tree Semi-vigorous rootstock £71.50
    Large tree (3m-5m after 10 years)
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Next deliveries

Order now for delivery from week commencing 25th November for pot grown trees or December for bare-root or mixed tree orders.

Delivery charges

Delivery for a single tree starts at £9.95, it is calculated based on your postcode.

Growing and Training

Malus hupehensis is versatile and hardy, and tolerant of most situations, very disease-resistant, and should reach a height of 4m-5m eventually.

It is best to keep pruning to a minimum if you want to retain the attractive spreading habit.

Whilst most crab-apples make good pollinators for mainstream apple trees, Malus hupehensis is an exception - its pollen is not viable.

History

Malus hupehensis is native to China. It was brought to the attention of western gardeners by collectors from the Arnold Arboretum in Massachusetts, USA, in the early 20th century. It is sometimes known as the Tea crab-apple, because the leaves could be used like tea-leaves.


Malus hupehensis characteristics

Growing

  • Gardening skillAverage
  • Self-fertilityPartially self-fertile
  • Flowering group4
  • Pollinating othersPoor
  • Climate suitabilityTemperate climatesMild damp climatesWarm climates

Using

  • Picking seasonLate
  • CroppingGood
  • Food usesCulinary

Problems

  • Disease resistanceGood
  • CankerVery resistant
  • Scab (Apple and Pear)Very resistant
  • Powdery mildewSome resistance
  • Fire blightSome resistance

Identification

  • Country of originChina
  • Period of origin1850 - 1899
  • Flowering monthApril
  • Blossom colourWhite
  • Fruit colourGreen / Red
  • AwardsRHS AGM (current)

British-grown trees Trees grown in the UK.

Unlike many garden centres and online retailers, the vast majority of our fruit trees are grown in the UK. Find out more.

In addition, all our trees are certified under the Plant Healthy scheme, supervised by the Plant Health Alliance. Other stakeholders include Defra and the RHS. The scheme aims to improve UK biosecurity by setting standards for all growers and retailers involved in selling plants in the UK. Find out more
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Guaranteed fruit trees

When you buy your fruit tree from Orange Pippin Fruit Trees we guarantee it for the first season in your garden whilst it gets established. If it doesn't grow successfully, we'll either replace it the following season or offer a refund - subject to some conditions. Find out more.

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2023.