'John Downie' Crabapple Tree
An incredibly popular variety
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Choose your size
In stock
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Pre-order for delivery by Late November
'John Downie' Crabapple Tree
- This is the tree to get you started on making those delicious crabapple jams
- The fruit has a plum-like size, full of flavour and with high level of pectin making jams easy to set
- Alternatively you can leave the abundance of orange fruit for the pollinators, they will love it
- Springtime will bring delicate white flowers opening from pink buds
- Foliage will also bring some delight with its mid-green colour turning into autumnal shades of orange, yellow and bronze
- With its upright habit, this crabapple grows to 4.5x4.5m
- Easy to maintain and hardy tree, thriving in all moist and well-drained soils
- Our trees are usually between 18 and 36 months old at the time of dispatch.
- Our trees are professionally pruned before dispatching.
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, 'John Downie' Crabapple Tree can be grown in a pot, though it performs best in the ground long-term. Start with a large 60cm+ container. It may need planting out after 5-10 years. Ensure consistent watering during hot spells above 25°C.
How big does it get?
The 'John Downie' Crabapple Tree typically grows to a height of 6 to 8 metres, with a spread of 4 to 6 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
'John Downie' Crabapple Tree prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
'John Downie' Crabapple Tree prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil, but is quite adaptable to most soil types including clay, loam, and chalk. It tolerates winter ground temperatures down to -10°C. Plant in a hole at least 50cm wide for best results.
How much watering does this plant need?
'John Downie' Crabapple Tree requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
'John Downie' Crabapple Tree should be pruned in late winter or early spring before bud break, removing dead or crossing branches to maintain a balanced shape.
How hardy is this plant?
The 'John Downie' crabapple holds an RHS hardiness rating of H6, making it fully hardy in the UK and able to survive temperatures down to -20°C.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Mike
Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe
Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.
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