'Rudolph' Crabapple Tree
More magical than any reindeer!
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Tree in a 7.5L Pot
120-150cm inc. pot on arrival
Choose your size
In stock
Order before midday for next day delivery
Plant diary
- Flower
- Harvest
'Rudolph' Crabapple Tree
- With its squash-ball-sized, bright red fruits, it's not difficult to see where 'Rudolph' got its name... This is far from being simply a festive one-trick-pony, however, oh no! Sporting lush foliage and glorious springtime pink blossoms, this impressive, highly-versatile crabapple deserves a starring role in any garden.
- The tree's serrated foliage emerges in attractive coppery and bronze shades, then turns green in summer, before finally taking on fiery red and orange hues come the autumn months.
- Single pink blossoms appear in the heart of spring, and without any shadow of a doubt, this crabapple is among the most impressive flowering displays of any crabapple.
- Following the flowers, vivid red crabapples steal the show, persisting on the tree well into winter.
- Like all crabapples, 'Rudolph' has the Royal Horticultural Society's Plants for Pollinators status, showing its benefits to pollinating insects like bees and butterflies.
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, 'Rudolph' 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 'Rudolph' Crabapple Tree typically reaches a mature height of 5 to 6 metres, with a spread of around 4 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
'Rudolph' 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?
'Rudolph' 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?
'Rudolph' 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?
'Rudolph' 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 'Rudolph' crabapple tree is fully hardy throughout the UK and northern Europe, with an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it can withstand 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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