4–5ft Tall | By Direct Plants
Elegant, distinctive, and beautifully architectural, Malus trilobata is supplied as a premium 4–5ft tall ornamental crab apple tree by Direct Plants. Carefully grown and selected at our award-winning family nursery in Norfolk, this exceptional and less commonly offered variety is admired for its uniquely lobed foliage, abundant spring blossom, and decorative autumn fruit.
Unlike traditional crab apples, trilobata is celebrated not only for its flowers and fruit, but for its striking three-lobed leaves — giving it an almost maple-like character and providing refined structure throughout the growing season.
Highly regarded by landscape designers and collectors of unusual ornamental trees, this variety brings elegance, seasonal contrast, and architectural form to lawns, feature planting schemes, wildlife gardens, and traditional settings.
Crab Apple Tree
(Malus trilobata – Ornamental, approx. 15–20ft / 4.5–6m at maturity)
Spring:
Clusters of delicate white blossom appear in mid to late spring, attracting bees and pollinators while creating a soft, graceful floral display against emerging foliage.
Summer:
Distinctive deep green, three-lobed leaves form a healthy, structured canopy — adding texture and architectural interest that sets this variety apart.
Autumn:
Small golden-yellow to amber crab apples develop, accompanied by warm autumn foliage tones, delivering late-season colour and wildlife value.
Habit:
Forms a neat, rounded crown with well-balanced branching. Naturally elegant and not overpowering, it provides strong garden structure without overwhelming smaller spaces.
Fully hardy and adaptable, Malus trilobata thrives in most soil types and performs best in a sunny position where flowering and fruiting will be most prolific. Ideal for planting directly into the ground, where it can establish naturally and develop into a beautifully shaped ornamental specimen.
What You Receive
• 1 premium Malus trilobata Crab Apple Tree, approx. 4–5ft tall
• Clearly labelled variety for confidence and traceability
• Carefully grown and prepared by our experienced nursery team in Norfolk, UK
• Securely packaged for safe delivery
• A fully hardy ornamental tree selected for blossom, foliage interest, and long-term garden value
We specialise in high-quality, well-formed trees that provide immediate presence and lasting beauty — ideal for gardeners who appreciate distinctive varieties and premium nursery stock.
Planting & Care Guide
Our trees are supplied ready for planting, ensuring excellent condition on arrival.
Planting Steps:
• Choose a sunny position for best flowering and fruiting
• Dig a hole wide enough to allow the roots to spread naturally
• Position the tree at the same depth it was previously grown
• Backfill, firm gently, and water thoroughly
• Stake during establishment, especially in exposed locations
• Mulch around the base (keeping clear of the trunk) to retain moisture
• Water regularly throughout the first growing season
Once established, Malus trilobata is low-maintenance and highly rewarding, delivering:
• Elegant white spring blossom
• Distinctive three-lobed foliage
• Decorative autumn fruit
• Strong seasonal structure
• Excellent wildlife interest
Whether planted as a refined standalone specimen, incorporated into a mixed ornamental border, or used within a wildlife-friendly landscape design, the Malus trilobata Crab Apple Tree is a distinctive and timeless choice — grown with care and delivered direct from our nursery to your garden.
