Malus Red Sentinel (Crab Apple Red Sentinel)

“Malus Red Sentinel is a fruiting Crab Apple that was brought into cultivation in 1959, it is a favourite for gardeners who are looking for winter interest. The white, single flowers emerge during April, at the end of the flowering succession of Amelanchier, Magnolia and Prunus, followed only by Malus varieties. The leaves emerge shortly after the flower, starting a coppery red before turning to green. The bright red crab apples appear as the summer draws to an end and autumn arrives, often forming so numerously that the branches can be weighted down, as such we tend to remove them when this is the case to prevent the shape from being damaged. If they are not preyed upon by the birds, these attractive crabs can remain on the tree well into the winter time. Malus Red Sentinel has a compacted, round crown as it develops into maturity and like other Crab Apples will tolerate a range of soil conditions including clay. It is a very useful selection for people who wish to have colour and flower, yet have a clay soil which limits the use of a Japanes cherry.”