Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size5 x 4 metres in 20 years
FlowersWhite flowers in spring
FruitOrnamental or culinary red crab apples
SoilMost soils except extremes
Description
Malus x robusta ‘Red Sentinel’ is a small ornamental tree that provides a vibrant display of cherry-sized deep red crab apples. In spring, white blushed flowers emerge from pale pink buds to produce a cloud of fragrance. Mid-green leaves turn bronzed yellow in the autumn before falling and leaving behind the glossy, postbox-red fruits adorning the branches that often last right through winter.
The profuse fruiting on Malus ‘Red Sentinel’ naturally controls the size of the tree, that forms a rounded head and will grow to an estimated height and spread of 5 x 4 metres in 20 years. Suited for culinary use, these crab apples are perfect for jellies but are also commonly used in Christmas decorations. This particular Flowering Crab Apple tree is tolerant of pollution, suited to most soil types and has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
This variety has large crab apples ideal for culinary use, so is sold with zero VAT.
AKA Malus Red Sentinel, Flowering Crab Apple Red Sentinel, Crabapple
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Crab Apple trees require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
You can harvest culinary Crab Apples in early autumn or leave them for birds to enjoy. The trees should be pruned in winter but do not require hard pruning. Avoid trimming the tips of branches. Simply remove any dead or damaged branches and shoots at the base of the tree i.e. suckers and water sprouts.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
