Crab Apple Tree - John Downie

Edible

Fruiting

Crab Apple 'John Downie' is a stunning ornamental tree that produces masses of white blossom in spring, followed by vibrant orange-red fruits in autumn. A perfect choice for wildlife gardens and homemade crab apple jelly. Explore more in our Apple Trees collection.

Heavy crop of orange-red fruits
Hardy and resilient in UK climate
Attract bees and pollinators
Suitable for container planting
Low maintenance and easy-care

A great choice for UK gardeners looking to beautify their garden with a resilient and attractive tree. Discover more in our Trees collection.

Trending

Low Maintenance

Attracts Pollinators

High Yields

Details

Crab Apple 'John Downie' is a highly decorative and productive tree, loved for its abundant white spring blossoms and generous harvest of orange-red crab apples in autumn. The tree offers year-round interest, with lush green foliage in summer and bright, colourful fruits that persist into winter, providing food for birds and wildlife. Its compact size makes it ideal for small gardens, and the tart fruits are excellent for making homemade jellies, sauces, and chutneys.

Beautiful white blossom in spring, attracting pollinators
Produces a heavy crop of orange-red crab apples in autumn
Ideal for making jellies, preserves, and sauces
Supports local wildlife by providing food for birds and insects

What's Included

Pots: Get a large, ready-to-grow tree in a 10L pot. Plant it in your garden or a larger container right away. It's bigger and stronger than smaller pot sizes. Pre-fed and watered for healthier plants from the start.

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Care Information

Sunlight	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Position	Sheltered or semi-sheltered
Soil	Moist but well-drained
Planting Time	Autumn/Late Summer
Moisture	Medium
Hardiness	Hardy
Growth Rate	Average
Spacing	Unknown
Height and Spread	12m x 8m
Annual or Perennial	Perennial

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What You Need To Know About “Crab Apple Tree - John Downie”

Plant Information

How To Plant

Plant Care

Crab Apple 'John Downie' is an excellent ornamental tree that provides seasonal interest all year round. In spring, it bursts into bloom with masses of fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators. By autumn, it produces clusters of bright orange-red crab apples that are perfect for making homemade jellies or leaving for wildlife to enjoy. This hardy tree is easy to grow and thrives in most garden settings.

Hardy and reliable tree with year-round interest
Stunning spring blossoms that attract bees and pollinators
Heavy crop of tart, orange-red crab apples in autumn
Compact and easy to grow, perfect for smaller gardens

Hardy and reliable tree with year-round interest
Stunning spring blossoms that attract bees and pollinators
Heavy crop of tart, orange-red crab apples in autumn
Compact and easy to grow, perfect for smaller gardens

Planting Time:	Autumn to Spring
Sunlight & Positioning:	Full Sun
Where to Plant:	Garden Beds - Patios - Large Containers
Growing Location:	Garden - Patio - Balcony

Planting Time:	Autumn to Spring
Sunlight & Positioning:	Full Sun
Where to Plant:	Garden Beds - Patios - Large Containers
Growing Location:	Garden - Patio - Balcony

Crab Apple 'John Downie' trees are easy to grow and thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight.

Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-draining soil
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and loosen the soil
Place the tree at the same depth it was growing in its nursery pot
Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the base

Crab Apple 'John Downie' trees are easy to grow and thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight.

Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-draining soil
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and loosen the soil
Place the tree at the same depth it was growing in its nursery pot
Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the base

Choose the Right Spot:	A sunny location with plenty of direct sunlight
Prepare the Soil:	Loosen soil and mix in compost or organic matter
Planting:	Plant level with the soil and firm soil down around the tree
Spacing:	Space trees about 2-3 metres apart for good air circulation

Choose the Right Spot:	A sunny location with plenty of direct sunlight
Prepare the Soil:	Loosen soil and mix in compost or organic matter
Planting:	Plant level with the soil and firm soil down around the tree
Spacing:	Space trees about 2-3 metres apart for good air circulation

Crab Apple 'John Downie' is a low-maintenance tree that requires minimal care once established.

Water regularly during the first year to help roots establish
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove deadwood
Apply a mulch layer around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Protect young trees from harsh frost with a fleece wrap if necessary

Crab Apple 'John Downie' is a low-maintenance tree that requires minimal care once established.

Water regularly during the first year to help roots establish
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove deadwood
Apply a mulch layer around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Protect young trees from harsh frost with a fleece wrap if necessary

Sunlight and Position:	Needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering and Feeding:	Water regularly until established, then water during dry periods
Support and Pruning:	Prune in late winter to maintain shape
Harvesting:	Harvest when fruit are firm and fully coloured

Sunlight and Position:	Needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering and Feeding:	Water regularly until established, then water during dry periods
Support and Pruning:	Prune in late winter to maintain shape
Harvesting:	Harvest when fruit are firm and fully coloured

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ideal growing conditions for a 'John Downie' crab apple tree?

'John Downie' thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's adaptable to various soil types and tolerates both moist and well-drained conditions.

When can I expect the 'John Downie' crab apple tree to flower and fruit?

Expect white blossoms in spring, followed by bright red and orange-yellow fruits in autumn. The fruits are typically ready for harvest in October and November.

How do I care for a 'John Downie' crab apple tree?

Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased branches. Apply mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.