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Crab Apple Hillieri
Malus Hillieri
Compact and highly decorative, the crab apple 'Hillieri' charms with pink spring blooms, red ornamental fruits in autumn, and a refined silhouette. A hardy, low-maintenance gem for any garden.
Description
Height at maturity
5 m
Wingspan at maturity
2 to 4 m
Exposure
Sun, partial shade
Flowering
may
Hardiness
-25°C
Origin
Horticultural, Western Europe (English selection)
Crab Apple 'Hillieri' – Malus 'Hillieri'
Key Characteristics
The crab apple 'Hillieri' (Malus 'Hillieri') is a compact, graceful, and abundantly flowering ornamental tree, prized for its beautiful pink spring blossoms followed by small decorative reddish-orange fruits in autumn. Hardy, undemanding, and easy to maintain, it fits perfectly into both small urban gardens and large landscaped spaces. Its naturally upright, slender shape and glossy green foliage that turns golden-yellow to orange in autumn offer year-round ornamental appeal.
Origin and History
Origin: Europe, English selection
Botanical family: Rosaceae
'Hillieri' is the result of hybridization between Asian and European ornamental crab apples. It was selected for its abundant flowering and elegant structure, making it ideal for both cityscapes and countryside gardens.
Description and Habit
Mature height: Up to 5 meters
Spread: 2 to 4 meters
Form: Upright, pyramidal, well-branched
Foliage: Deciduous, fresh green in summer, yellow-orange in autumn
Growth rate: Moderate to fast
Hardiness: Excellent (down to −25 °C)
Flowering
Season: May
Flowers: Bright and pale pink, emerging from darker buds, in dense clusters
Interest: Bee-friendly, lightly scented, very ornamental
Fruiting
Time: Late summer to autumn
Fruits: Small red to reddish-orange ornamental pomes
Use: Decorative (not edible), often remain on the tree in winter
Sun and Soil
Exposure: Full sun to light partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic
Tolerates: Poor soils, urban conditions, mild salt spray
Planting
Preparation: Mix compost with soil and mulch around the base
Spacing: 2 to 3 meters for mass planting or rows
Watering Needs
Young trees: Water regularly during the first year
Mature trees: Drought-tolerant once established
Pruning
When and how:
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Light shaping in late spring or winter
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Avoid heavy pruning; prefer gentle thinning
Tolerates pruning well when done moderately
Propagation
Method: Grafting onto Malus rootstock
Note: Grafting ensures varietal consistency
Garden Uses
Ideal for:
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Small city gardens
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Decorative borders
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Standalone or row planting on lawns
Companions: Spirea, lavender, hardy geraniums, variegated dogwoods
Seasonal Appeal
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Spring: Spectacular pink blooms
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Summer: Dense, fresh green foliage
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Autumn: Red fruits and golden foliage
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Winter: Elegant silhouette with persistent fruit, bird-friendly
Resistance and Pests
Excellent natural resistance
Avoid waterlogged soil
Vulnerabilities: Only under prolonged stress (aphids, powdery mildew)
Growing Tips
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Prefers moist but well-drained soils
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Add compost at planting
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Mulch annually to retain moisture
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No chemical treatments needed
The crab apple 'Hillieri' is a perfect ornamental tree for year-round interest. With its vibrant pink spring blossoms, showy red fruits, and golden fall foliage, it’s ideal for urban gardens, borders, or standalone features. Exceptionally hardy and tolerant of poor soils and pollution, it requires minimal care once established. Its persistent fruit adds winter interest and attracts birds, while its blossoms support early pollinators. Whether for structure, seasonal beauty, or wildlife, 'Hillieri' is a smart and elegant choice for any garden.
Features
- Common name : Crab Apple Hillieri
- Family : Rosaceae
- Category : tree
- Spread : 2 to 4 m
- Foliage : deciduous
- Color of flowers : pink
- Fruit : Small, 1 to 2 cm, orange-red heads
- Use : isolated - shrubberry - alignment
- Soil : neutral
- Habit : pyramidal
- Enemies : aphid
- Possible diseases : Powdery mildew
- rootstock : MM111
Expédition & livraison
How does the delivery work?
As soon as you place your order your plants are selected
Each order is processed individually.
Plants are packed, staked and labeled.
Packaging is carefully implemented to avoid any problems.
Packages are ready to be shipped.
Our delivery methods
Shipping of our plants throughout Europe (except overseas and islands).
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