Ornamental Crabapple John Downie Perhaps the best fruiting crabapple, Malus ‘John Downie’ is a vigorous, small deciduous tree, valued for year-round garden interest and the quality of its fruit. The tree is bushy with a shapely oval head, and the green leaves develop yellow, red and orange tints in autumn. Profuse white blossom opens from pink buds in April and May is followed by heavy crops of large, egg-shaped, bright red and orange fruits, 3-4 cm long, with a refreshing flavour, particularly good for crab-apple jelly. Any left unpicked will persist on the tree until softened by frost, when the birds will appreciate them. Self-fertile, and a good pollinator for apples in Flowering Groups 3, 4 and 5. Site: Sheltered or exposedSoil: Any reasonably well drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of Interest: Spring, autumn, early winterHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 26-40’ (8-12m) Spread: 13-26’ (4-8m) in 20 years