Malus transitoria

Malus transitoria is also know as the Cut-leaf Crab, on account of its lobed leaves. It grows with an attractive spreading form.

It features a mass of tiny white star-like flowers in spring, followed by dense clusters of small yellow fruitlets in the autumn.

The autumn leaf colours are particularly pronounced in this species.

Malus transitoria crab-apple trees for sale

All our pot-grown trees are grown for us to our specification by the Frank P Matthews nursery.

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

• 11-year bare-root tree £44.00

  
  Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
  

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• 22-year pot-grown tree £62.00

  
  Grown for us by Frank P Matthews nursery
  In a 12L pot
  Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
  

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History

Malus transitoria is a native of north western China. Like many Asian crab-apples it was first brought to the west in the early 20th century by collectors from the Arnold Arboretum of Massachusetts, USA.

Malus transitoria characteristics

• Gardening skillBeginner
• AwardsRHS AGM (current) - 1993
• Attractive featuresAttractive flowersAttractive fruitAutumn foliage colour
• Growth habitSpreading / Flat-topped
• Height after 10 years2.5m-3.5m / 8ft-12ft
• WildlifeAttractive to birds
• Flower colourWhite
• Flower formSingle flower (5-8 petals)
• Leaf colourGreen
• Leaf colour - autumnOrange / Gold
• Fruit colourYellow
• Fruit sizeSmall
• Fruit persistenceRipens over a period
• Country of originChina
• Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

• Malus transitoria
  Thornhayes Tansy
  A form of Malus transitoria with a more accentuated leaf shape.

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. We try to keep all pot-grown trees down to about 1.5m as supplied, but some may be larger. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years. We may also have 1-year bare-root trees of this variety - they are not shown here.

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.