Description
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: 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.
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)
Season: May
Flowers: Bright and pale pink, emerging from darker buds, in dense clusters
Interest: Bee-friendly, lightly scented, very ornamental
Time: Late summer to autumn
Fruits: Small red to reddish-orange ornamental pomes
Use: Decorative (not edible), often remain on the tree in winter
Exposure: Full sun to light partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic
Tolerates: Poor soils, urban conditions, mild salt spray
Preparation: Mix compost with soil and mulch around the base
Spacing: 2 to 3 meters for mass planting or rows
Young trees: Water regularly during the first year
Mature trees: Drought-tolerant once established
When and how:
Light shaping in late spring or winter
Avoid heavy pruning; prefer gentle thinning
Tolerates pruning well when done moderately
Method: Grafting onto Malus rootstock
Note: Grafting ensures varietal consistency
Ideal for:
Small city gardens
Decorative borders
Standalone or row planting on lawns
Companions: Spirea, lavender, hardy geraniums, variegated dogwoods
Spring: Spectacular pink blooms
Summer: Dense, fresh green foliage
Autumn: Red fruits and golden foliage
Winter: Elegant silhouette with persistent fruit, bird-friendly
Excellent natural resistance
Avoid waterlogged soil
Vulnerabilities: Only under prolonged stress (aphids, powdery mildew)
Prefers moist but well-drained soils
Add compost at planting
Mulch annually to retain moisture
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.
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Plants are packed, staked and labeled.
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Packages are ready to be shipped.Shipping of our plants throughout Europe (except overseas and islands).
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