National Tree Week – Berry Interesting. The Spotlight is on Malus

A tree with berries is a sight to behold in the autumn and winter months when the berries shine in the morning dew like jewels. 

Berries extend the period of interest of a tree or alternatively may be the only reason why the tree was chosen in the first place.  Planting a tree that berries is one of the best ways of enticing wildlife to an area be it birds, bats and insects. 

One of the most loved trees in the UK is Ornamental Malus or Crab Apple.  Malus flower abundantly in the spring and look an absolute picture covered in delicate blooms but the best display is yet to come in the autumn when the berry forms slowly over the late summer gradually ripening to small brightly coloured fruits that are a magnet for birds.  

Malus are loved by designers for their long season of interest and range of berry colour too. 

Malus Evereste.  White flowers open from red buds.  Long lasting yellow-orange fruit.  Spreading, weeping habit.  Excellent wildlife value. 

Malus Red Sentinel.  White flowers.  Large clusters of deep red fruit.  Upright, spreading habit. 

Malus John Downie.  White flowers open from pink buds.  Bright scarlet berries.  Upright habit. 

Malus Mokum.  Red flowers.  Purplish leaves turning to bronze green.  Small red fruit.   Open habit. 

Malus x zumi Golden Hornet.  White flowers.  Golden yellow berries.  Spreading habit. 

Malus Street Parade.  Light purple flower.  Blood red berry. Columnar habit. 

         

Evereste                                       John Downie                    Red Sentinel                            Golden Hornet