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Crab Apple Red sentinel (in 5 liter pot)

Malus Red sentinel

The Malus ‘Red Sentinel’, a compact and hardy ornamental crab apple, produces fragrant white flowers in spring and bright red fruits that persist until winter. Ideal as a specimen tree, in informal hedges, or in an ornamental bed.

Plant height
120/150 cm in 5 liter pot

18 €
TTC

No delivery for this item. Only available for collection from the nursery after ordering.

Quantity

Description

Height at maturity 3 to 5 m

Wingspan at maturity 2,5 to 4 m

Exposure Sun, partial shade

Flowering April - May

Hardiness -25°C

Origin British Horticultural Selection

Crab Apple ‘Red Sentinel’ – Malus ‘Red Sentinel’

Main interest

The Crab Apple ‘Red Sentinel’ is a small deciduous tree, renowned for its abundant spring blossom and long-lasting ornamental fruits. From April, it is covered with fragrant white flowers, preceded by pink buds, which attract bees and other pollinators. In autumn, it bears numerous bright red miniature apples, shiny and clustered in dense bunches, which remain on the tree until winter. Its compact, rounded habit, hardiness down to –25 °C, and adaptability to various soils make it a four-season ornamental tree, ideal for urban gardens, informal hedges, or specimen planting. Easy to maintain and beneficial for garden biodiversity.

Origin and characteristics

Geographical origin: British horticultural selection.

Botanical family: Rosaceae.

Notable features: Pollinator-friendly flowers, long-lasting fruits, excellent frost resistance.

General description: Small deciduous tree with rounded crown, dark green foliage turning golden in autumn, decorative winter fruits.

Growth: Moderate and steady.

Hardiness: Very good, down to –25 °C.

Dimensions and habit

Mature height: 3 to 5 m.
Mature width: 2.5 to 4 m.
Habit: Compact, rounded, well-branched.
Bark: Dark brown, smooth on young trees, slightly fissured with age.
Foliage:

Dark green in summer
Golden yellow in autumn
Deciduous, oval finely-toothed leaves

Flowering and fruiting

Flowering period: April to May.
Flowers: White, fragrant, preceded by pink buds. Dense clusters very attractive to pollinators.
Fruits: Small red-orange apples (1.5–2 cm), shiny and persistent until winter. Highly decorative and loved by birds.

Exposure and soil

Ideal exposure: Full sun or partial shade.
Suitable soil: Ordinary, fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Slightly calcareous soil tolerated.

Planting :

Soil preparation

Dig a wide hole and enrich with mature compost. Water abundantly at planting. Staking recommended during the first years.

Plant spacing

2.5 to 4 m depending on use (solitary, hedge, row).

Watering :

Water needs at planting

Regular watering during dry periods to promote rooting.

Water needs at maturity

Low maintenance, but appreciates occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.

Pruning :

When and how to prune

Late winter or early spring, frost-free. Remove dead wood, thin the crown without excessive pruning to preserve fruiting.

Propagation :

Possible methods

Grafting in nursery (seedlings do not remain true to cultivar).

Garden use :

Ideal location

Solitary, informal hedge, row planting, or ornamental bed.

Recommended plant associations

Cornus, Japanese maple, flowering cherry, decorative-leaved perennials.

Traditional use

Ornamental tree, valued for persistent fruits and attraction to wildlife (birds, insects).

Disease protection :

Potential susceptibilities: Aphids.

Prevention and natural treatments: Regular monitoring, spraying with soapy water or garlic decoction in case of infestation.

Tips for good development

Plant in full sun for maximum flowering and fruiting. Organic mulch recommended to maintain soil moisture. Avoid heavy pruning.

The Crab Apple ‘Red Sentinel’ – Malus ‘Red Sentinel’ is a compact and hardy ornamental tree, ideal for urban or landscaped gardens. Its fragrant white spring flowers attract pollinators, while its small bright red apples are shiny and persistent until winter. Easy to grow, it adapts to well-drained soils and withstands harsh winters down to –25 °C. Its rounded habit, dark green deciduous foliage turning golden in autumn, and winter fruiting make it a four-season ornamental tree. Suitable as a solitary specimen, in informal hedges or rows, and pairs well with Cornus, Japanese maples, or flowering cherries. The ‘Red Sentinel’ cultivar is distinguished by long-lasting decorative fruits and ease of maintenance, making it an excellent choice for amateur gardeners and professionals alike.

Features

Common name : Crab Apple Red sentinel
Family : Rosaceae
Category : tree
Spread : 2,5 to 4 m
Foliage : deciduous
Color of flowers : white
Fruit : Small, bright red apples (1.5 to 2 cm), very shiny, abundant, and persistent on the tree until winter.
Use : isolated - shrubbery - flowering hedge
Soil : all
Habit : Rounded
Enemies : aphid
Possible diseases : Nothing to report