Attracts pollinators | Attracts pollinators |
Culinary use | Eating & cooking |
Edible | Edible |
Expertise needed | Beginner |
Hardiness | H4 - Hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5°C) |
Location for use | Garden |
Plant position | Sunny areas |
Soil moisture | Moist, fertile & well drained |
Crab Apple 'John Downie' is renowned as one of the most popular varieties for jelly making, making it a prized addition to any kitchen garden. In April and May, the tree bursts into life with beautiful pink buds that unfurl into delicate white cup-shaped blossoms, creating a stunning display. As the seasons progress, these blossoms give way to large orange and red fruits that adorn the tree throughout autumn. This crab apple variety is not only valued for its culinary potential but also for its ornamental appeal. 'John Downie' makes an attractive and productive specimen tree, particularly well-suited to smaller gardens. Its long season of interest ensures that it remains a focal point throughout the year. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, Crab Apple 'John Downie' serves as a valuable food source for wildlife - any unpicked fruits soften after a few frosts, providing a sumptuous feast for wild birds. Additionally, crab apples are self-fertile, making them excellent pollinators when planted near orchard apple trees. With a height and spread of around 4 meters, Crab Apple 'John Downie' offers an ideal balance of size and productivity.
Grow Your Own Fruit Malus (Crab Apple) John Downie 12 Litre Pot x 1
£79.99
From DIY at B&Q
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