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Malus Harry Baker

• Flower colour: Crimson
• Leaf colour: Green
• Fruit colour: Red

Malus 'Harry Baker' is a popular crab-apple with good spring and autumn appeal. The spring blossom is and intense dark-pink blossom, whilst in autumn the maroon-coloured fruits are very attractive and hang on the tree after the leaves have fallen.

Harry Baker is one of the best varieties for making crab-apple jelly. The fruits, which ripen fairly late in the season, have a pink / red flesh which lends an attractive dark red hue to the resulting jelly, rather like the colour of red wine. The flesh is usefully high in pectin too.

Unusually for a variety with dark-pink blossom and dark red fruits, the leaves are green rather than bronze, although young leaves have a hint of bronze.

This crab-apple variety was named in honour of Harry Baker, Fruit Officer of the RHS at Wisley in the 1980s, and the author of several books on fruit trees and soft fruits.

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. (Approx. girth: 6/8). Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years.

Leaves may not be present during winter, and we may prune some shoots to fit the delivery carton. Size may vary during the season and between batches. The container (if supplied) is only used for transporting the tree, which should then be planted out in the garden or in a much larger patio planter (not all species are suitable for patio planting).

How to grow

Malus 'Harry Baker' produces a reasonably compact tree, likely to reach 3m-4m in height.

Similar varieties

• 
  Malus
  Roberts Crab
  An unusual red-fleshed crab-apple which has large purple fruits. The juice is a claret red colour.

How to choose a crab-apple tree

We have a very wide range of 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.