Malus tschonoskii

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

Sorry we have not produced any trees of this variety 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.