Malus hupehensis Tree | Hillier Trees

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: High

Lime: Medium

Malus hupehensis, commonly known as tea crab apple or Chinese crab apple was found by plant collector Ernest Henry Wilson during his exhibition to China in 1900s. He brought cuttings back to the Veitchs Nursery of England where it was cultivated for its commercial supply.

The small tree has the most prolific blossom flowers of nearly all of the Malus variety. Its buds open to a profuse cloud of flowers which are pure white with subtle water-wash pink along the petals edge. These completely blanket the tree and look stunningly beautiful on a spring afternoon. Following the flowering period, the tea crab apple forms small cherry-like fruits that cover the branches in clusters of red. These will remain through winter and are very attractive and a vital source of nourishment for wildlife. Whilst fruits aren’t palatable to humans, Malus hupehensis leaves can be used to brew tea. This originated in China and is still common in the UK.

The shape of this tree, its beautiful flowering display and its tolerance of soil conditions allows its use for a range of applications. At Hillier HQ we have a mature specimen growing at the car park entrance and its flowers contrast perfectly against our evergreen magnolia.

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Size

Small

7m high x 4m wide after 25 years

Environment

Its colour can be utilised for larger housing developments to differentiate the areas. It also works well as a specimen tree on open public spaces.

Canopy

Rounded to spreading canopy.

Foliage

A dark, healthy foliage in summer, softening to a buttery yellow for autumn before falling in winter.

Flowers

One of the most profusely flowering Maluses available. Its buds open to flowers of pure white which completely blankets the tree. These have the slightest stroke of water wash pink at the petals edge.

Fruit

Fruits are small and deep red.

Resilience

Adaptable to all well drained soils, including clay, loam and sand. Once established its drought tolerant and will succeed in a range of pH levels.

Available As:

Semi-Mature