Malus sieboldii (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 5m
Eventual Spread: 5m
Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Rosaceae
Malus sieboldii is a deciduous tree with a rounded habit. Its mid green leaves are ovate to elliptic with serrate margins, up to 7.5cm long and 4cm broad. Its leaves turn orange/ red in autumn before they fall. Its fragrant pink flowers fade to white, are up to 3cm across and appear in groups of up to 8. Its red/ yellow fruit are pomes, up to 8mm across, appear in autumn and persist on the tree during the winter months.
Malus sieboldii Berries (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Malus sieboldii, commonly known as Toringo Crabapple or Siebold’s Crabapple, is native to Japan, Korea and east China. In its native habitat it grows in open or mixed forest in mountainous regions.
The etymological root of the binomial name Malus is the ancient Latin name for the apple tree. Sieboldii is named after Philipp Franz von Siebold (1796 – 1866), a German physician who obtained significance for his study of Japanese flora and fauna.
Malus sieboldii Autumn Leaf (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Malus sieboldii useful as a small tree wit attractive spring flowers, autumn leaf color and winter berries.
Ecologically, Malus sieboldii flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its fruit are attractive to birds and some mammals.
Malus sieboldii Bark (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Malus sieboldii prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Malus sieboldii requires little maintenance.
