This is one of the most eye-catching ornamental small trees in our garden. In spring it’s covered in soft white, lightly-scented blossom that’s totally loved by bees.

The fruit is small, crimson and firm and can be eaten raw and has a clean tangy taste. It softens beautifully when cooked and can be made into a crab apple jam.

If you fancy trying the jam, wash the apples (no peeling or coring required), add to a pan and cover with water and simmer until soft. Add an equal weight of sugar to the pulp then boil until the setting point is reached. Pot whilst hot for a bright red-coloured jam that pairs very well with cheese.

In autumn and winter time the tree looks amazing and we love leaving lots of apples on the trees just to see the birds flocking to it. It’s an absolute treat to watch the variety of birds, especially blackbirds, who particularly favour its abundant persistent bright red fruits, feasting on it. Nothing compares!

We think every garden should have a Crab Apple because:

It’s great for small gardens. It can even be gtown in a large pot!

It has year round visual appeal.

It’s self-fertile.

It provides a critical food source for wildlife in early winter when other food sources are scarce.

Crab Apple jelly is delicious!