Malus toringo (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 6m
Eventual Spread: 6m
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Family: Rosaceae
Malus toringo Flower (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Malus toringo is a deciduous tree with a rounded, weeping 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 white flowers are up to 3cm across. Its red/ yellow fruit are pomes, up to 1cm across, appear in autumn and persist on the tree during the winter months.
Malus toringo, commonly known as Toringo Crabapple or Japanese Crab, is native to Japan, Korea and east China. In its native habitat it grows in open or mixed forest in mountainous regions.
Malus toringo Leaf (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
The etymological root of the binomial name Malus is the ancient Latin name for the apple tree. Toringo is derived from the Japanese name for the Malus.
The landscape architect may find Malus toringo useful as a small tree with attractive spring flowers, autumn leaf color and winter fruit.
Ecologically, Malus toringo flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its fruit are attractive to birds and some mammals.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given the variety Malus toringo ‘Scarlett’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 2012.
Malus toringo Bark (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Malus toringo prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Malus toringo requires little maintenance.
