Pink buds open to reveal pretty white cup shaped blossom in April and May, followed by spectacular crops of bright golden-yellow fruits that make an eye-catching autumn display and hold on the tree well into winter. Crab Apple 'Golden Hornet' makes an attractive and productive specimen tree for smaller gardens, with a long season of interest. Crab apple fruits can be harvested to make delicious crab apple jelly. Any unpicked fruits will soften after a few frosts to create a sumptuous food source for wild birds. Crab apples are self fertile and if planted near orchard apple trees make excellent pollinators.
This variety is self-fertile and does not require a pollination partner.
Estimated time to best yields: 5 years.
Mature Trees:
Mature trees have an incredible ability to instantly enhance any outdoor area, making them a valuable addition to both new and established gardens. When planted in blank or new-build houses, these trees provide immediate visual interest and character, while also helping to redefine and focus the layout of existing landscapes. They serve practical purposes as well, such as blocking out unwanted views and providing privacy from neighbours. The choice of tree species can significantly influence the overall atmosphere of the garden, with each type contributing its unique charm. The benefits of these mature trees includes showcased beautifully textured bark and have developed impressive, majestic forms over the years. Flowering trees can offer stunning seasonal displays of blossoms, creating a breathtaking spectacle in spring, or providing a consistent and striking presence throughout the year. The impact of mature trees on a garden is profound, enriching the space with beauty and enhancing the overall experience of the outdoors.
What are Mature Trees:
Mature trees are trees that have reached the next stage of development. These trees are often distinguished by their impressive height and expansive canopy. Their trunks are notably thick and robust, frequently displaying mature bark and added character. Additionally, mature trees possess a well-established root system and a complex branching structure, which enhance their stability and resilience against environmental challenges. Mature trees produce flowers, fruits, and seeds regularly and serve as important habitat, offering shelter and food for wildlife.
These trees are specified by girth size, to explain size and maturity of the tree being supplied. They are supplied up to 4 metres tall and are measured by girth (the circumference of the stem taken 1 metre up from the soil level).
A ‘feathered’ tree has a single dominant, straight trunk running through it, but has lateral branches from the ground up.
A ‘standard’ form tree has a single straight trunk clear of lower branches for at least the first 1.8m (6ft). If you desire your tree to be of ‘standard’ form once mature, it is crucial that you buy one which already has a clear 1.8 meter straight trunk.
Delivery of Mature Trees
Please note that due to the weight of this product this is a purple lorry item, delivery will take between 5 and 7 days and is charged at £24.99. There is a flat delivery charge for any number of mature trees, so if ordering several it does work out to be very economical.
Due to courier limitations, we are unable to deliver this product outside mainland UK, to Scottish Highlands, Isles or BFPO addresses.
Established trees require extra special care and knowledge to transport them. Our experienced team check them, carefully pack them. As living products, all our trees and plants receive individual care and attention by our expert nursery team. Ahead of despatch, our trees and plants are quality-checked, watered, carefully picked, prepared and packaged on-site. We’ll never send out a tree that we’re not entirely happy with!
When your tree has arrived, unpack it carefully and water well. We recommend planting as soon as you are able, as trees will eventually run out of nutrients if left in this state. If, however, you’re not able to plant right away, please make sure you keep it well watered in a sheltered space and safe from damage.
Planting Mature Trees
These mature trees are all large and old enough to make an impact but can still be handled manually (without equipment). We typically recommend two people to plant them as they are large and will need lifting into the planting hole while a second person fills in the hole. With large trees it is less easy to make adjustments to the position of the tree once it is in the hole, so we recommend measuring the depth of the hole and comparing it to the root mass first to check the tree will sit at the correct height once in the hole.
Unless it is winter and the trees are dormant, give them a generous soaking of water once planted. Continue to do so as required, bearing in mind mature trees can soak up a large quantity of water.
Don't forget to order any specialist large tree planting essentials you require to ensure the trees establish successfully in their new site such as adding a staking kit and tree guard.
Growing Information
Plant crab apple trees in a sheltered, sunny position in any fertile, well drained soil. Prior to planting, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole and drive the stake into the ground to support the tree. Staking after planting may result in damage to the root ball. Plant fruit trees at their original soil level and firm them into the ground. Fasten the tree to the stake using a tree tie, and water well.
