Malus Crimson Knight

Common Name:
Crimson Knight Crab Apple

Description:
Malus ‘Crimson Knight’ is a striking deciduous ornamental crab apple tree admired for its rich burgundy foliage, masses of colourful spring blossoms, and ornamental fruit display. This upright ornamental variety produces deep purple-red leaves that retain excellent colour throughout the growing season, providing bold contrast in the landscape. In spring, the tree becomes covered in abundant clusters of fragrant deep pink to crimson flowers that attract bees and beneficial pollinators. Following flowering, small glossy dark red crab apples develop and often persist into winter, adding seasonal interest and attracting birds. ‘Crimson Knight’ performs exceptionally well in Melbourne’s temperate climate, thriving in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and regular watering during establishment. Its compact upright habit makes it ideal for avenue planting, feature planting, cottage gardens, and smaller urban landscapes. With excellent ornamental appeal across multiple seasons and good disease resistance, this variety is an outstanding feature tree for residential and commercial settings.

Form:

• Tree - Small

Mature Size:

• Height: 4–6 m
• Width: 3–4 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Crimson
• Deep pink

Key Attributes:

• Bee Attracting
• Bird Attracting
• Deciduous
• Feature Foliage
• Feature Tree
• Perennial
• Suitable for Avenue Planting
• Suitable for Cottage Gardens
• Suitable for Small Gardens

Toxicity:

• Fruit is generally considered non-toxic, though excessive consumption may cause mild digestive upset.
• Seeds contain trace cyanogenic compounds and should not be consumed in large quantities.

Companion Plants:

• Clivia
• Helleborus
• Lavender
• Liriope
• Nandina
• Salvia
• Spiraea
• Viburnum
• Woodland ferns

This cultivar is grown by Flemings Nurseries, one of Australia's most renowned growers.
Image used with permission from Fleming’s Nurseries.

For more information on this particular variety, click here