Malus 'Cardinal' is a vivid crab apple with large, intense pink blossom early in the season, loved by bees. The dark young leaves mature to a glossy red tone through summer, and small deep red fruits follow in autumn. Disease resistant and holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it brings colour to the garden across the seasons.
It grows to around 4m x 3m after 10 years. Grow in full sun or partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil; clay is tolerated. It is self-fertile and an excellent pollinator for nearby apple trees, and needs very little pruning beyond removing any damaged growth in late winter.
