Malus toringo ‘Sargent’s elegant’

This is a crab apple we’ve come to rely on for its year-round interest and tough nature. In late spring, from about the third week of April, it’s covered in creamy white flowers. The petals overlap, giving them a lovely full appearance that the bees appreciate. Through summer, the ovate green leaves fill out its dense, rounded crown. Then in autumn, the display changes to orange-yellow leaves and masses of small, glossy purple-red fruits that can hang on the branches until October.

Often grown as a small tree grafted onto a taller stem, ‘Sargent’s Elegant’ will reach about 4 to 5 metres in height. It has a dense, rounded crown with thorny branches. It’s a versatile tree that isn’t fussy about soil, tolerating clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as it’s in a sunny spot. It’s known for being a healthy and strong grower.

Little pruning is required for this crab apple. We find it’s best to simply remove any damaged or misplaced branches in late winter. It’s a fantastic tree for bringing wildlife into the garden, as birds enjoy the fruit. Its compact size makes it a brilliant candidate for small gardens, patios, or even in large containers on a roof terrace.