For taller options and non-tree planting schemes Contact us stating species, height/girth and delivery postcode.
Red Obelisk (Malus 'Red Obelisk') was first introduced in Belgium. A nice, compact upright tree with pink buds opening white and followed by attractive, conical, red fruits. Foliage is purplish-brown at first, later becoming dark green. Red Obelisk apples are good for crab apple jelly.
A small height tree, so expect a height and spread of around 4 x 1 metres after 10 years.
Malus Red Obelisk Options
100-180cm :Usually supplied in a 5-10 litre pot and is around 2-3 years old
180-240cm :Usually supplied in a 10-20 litre pot and is around 3-4 years old
We deliberately use the vague description of around "x" amount of years old because freak weather can severely affect growth rates.
Message card included at no additional cost if required. Just add the information required on the card at checkout.
Tree Jargon Explained
Half Standard: Around 80-100cm clear stem.
Standard: Around 180-200cm clear stem.
Feathered: Branches for most of the trunk/stem length.
Multi-Stem/Bush: Very little or no clear stem. Multiple branching starting low to the ground.
Rootball: Dug from the field with roots intact i.e. no pot.
Pot: Plastic container that the tree was grown in.
Maiden: 1 year tree that has not been pruned.
Pleached: Foliage a square/rectangle flat shape wired to a bamboo frame with some clear stem.
Screen: Same as pleached but much less/no clear stem.
Multiple Order Discount
Orders over £750 for 150cm+ trees might be discounted by contacting us
Ornamental Tree Roots In The Shade e.g. Behind A Fence
It is more important that that foliage (posh term for leaves) receives the sunlight than the roots. So if the canopy of your ornamental tree can sunbathe but the bottom of your tree thinks there has been a nuclear winter then that is ok. You might want to ensure you have good drainage as water and no sun is the start of algae and other such issues.
Early Autumn Leaf Fall
Heat stress, being potted, lack of water, being boxed up for a few days etc can cause early Autumn leaf fall. Once planted, normal service will resume next season.
Do I Need To Stake My Ornamental Tree?
9 out of 10 times the answer will be no, especially if under 200cm tall. However our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Climate Change
Climate Change has increased aesthetic foliage issues such as Powdery Mildew, Shothole, Rust, frost damage etc These are not terminal issues and will usually last a season or less. All trees are inspected before being sent out to ensure they are fundamentally healthy and will bounce back.
Planting In The Corner Of A Garden
Air and light is reduced in this location which could promote fungus and bacterial issues. If the corner is of the house and a fence then you also have leeching issues to contend with from cement and wood preservatives. Also when it rains, that area would experience higher water levels so we advise against it unless the plant is very hardy.
Mature Tree Warranty
Once a tree is over 3 years old, the failure rate is considerably less and our Tree Warranty does not cover it at 100%. Please check details.
Crab Apple Trees Listed As Good For Jelly
Laura, John Downie, Jelly King, Wisley, Pink Glow, Robusta, Dolgo, Butterball, Harry Baker and Red Obelisk.
Crab Apple Trees Listed As Patio
Any Crab apple tree listed as suitable for patio growing means that it has most likely been grafted onto an M27 rootstock giving it an ultimate height of around 1.5 metres.
Crab Apple Disease Resistance
Crab apple trees are generally resistant to disease but those that seem to be considerably less prone to problems are Admiration, Pink Glow, Wedding Bouquet, ButterBall, Cardinal, Comtesa De Paris, Elk River, Coralburst, Donald Wyman, Golden Gem, Gorgeous, Indian Magic, Jelly King, Louisa, Prairie Fire, Rudolf, Sun Rival, Tina, Scarlett, Transitoria, Guardsman and White Star.
Crab Apple Pollinators
Crab apples have long flowering periods which makes them very useful as pollination partners. Many commercial orchards inter-plant crab apples with normal apple trees to increase fruit yield. A crab apple is self fertile and will set fruit without the need of another apple tree nearby.
Crab Apple Drought Resistance
Generally speaking, Crab Apples tolerate drought reasonably well.
Sun Or Shade For Crab Apples
For best results from the flowers and fruits, a full sun position is preferred however light shade is acceptable. Excessive shade will lead to less flowers and fruits, a more open canopy and problems with Powdery Mildew. Shade and poor drainage is a good combination for bacterial and fungal issues.
Crab Apple Suckering
If your Crab Apple has been grafted (many are) then you may experience small green shoots growing out the side of the tree below the graft point (around 10-30cm above ground) Remove these by rubbing your hand across the bark or snapping off. These will not grow as the original tree you purchased.
Crab Apples With Long Lasting Fruits
For those wishing to feed the local wildlife well into Autumn and Winter, consider purchasing Comtessa De Paris , Red Sentinel and Toringo Scarlet. Other crab apple trees with almost as long lasting fruits include Admiration, Evereste, Wedding Bouquet and Rudolph
