Malus 'Diable Rouge' – A Dazzling Crabapple with Vibrant Spring Blooms and Stunning Autumn Foliage
Malus 'Diable Rouge', commonly known as the 'Diable Rouge' Crabapple, is a striking deciduous tree renowned for its profuse spring flowers, dark red foliage, and excellent year-round interest. With its compact size, rich seasonal colours, and ornamental fruits, this variety of crabapple makes a fantastic addition to gardens, parklands, and urban landscapes.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring: In spring, Malus 'Diable Rouge' bursts into life with an abundance of deep pink to red blossoms that cover the tree, creating a dramatic display. These vibrant flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, offering a colourful start to the gardening season.
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Summer: The deep red foliage of 'Diable Rouge' intensifies as the tree matures, creating a rich, dark canopy that stands out in any landscape. Small, ornamental crimson fruits begin to develop, providing both visual interest and food for birds.
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Autumn: As autumn arrives, the foliage turns shades of red, purple, and burgundy, giving the tree a fiery, eye-catching appearance. The small fruits remain on the branches, providing additional colour and interest well into winter.
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Winter: In winter, the bare branches and ornamental fruits remain visible, creating a striking silhouette against the winter sky. The tree’s compact, branching structure adds a refined architectural element to the landscape even during the colder months.
Structure & Form
Malus 'Diable Rouge' is a compact, small-sized tree, typically reaching a height of 2.5m. It has a rounded, bushy habit with a dense crown that is perfect for small gardens, borders, or as a specimen tree. Its compact size and ornamental qualities make it an ideal choice for urban planting, smaller spaces, or as a focal point in mixed borders.
Ideal for Various Landscapes
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Small Gardens & Urban Spaces: Due to its compact size, 'Diable Rouge' is perfect for smaller gardens, courtyards, and urban landscapes where space is at a premium.
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Specimen Tree: Its vibrant flowers and striking foliage make it an excellent specimen tree, adding seasonal interest and colour to the garden throughout the year.
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Pollinator Gardens: The abundant spring blossoms attract a range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making this tree a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
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Formal & Informal Plantings: The tree’s rounded form suits both formal garden designs and more naturalistic, informal planting schemes.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, though for the best flowering and foliage colour, plant in a sunny location.
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Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils and can adapt to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy, this tree is well-suited to temperate climates and can withstand frost, making it suitable for a wide range of regions.
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Maintenance: Low-maintenance; prune lightly in early spring to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Regularly remove fallen fruit if it’s a concern for cleanliness. Generally resistant to most pests and diseases.
Why Choose Malus 'Diable Rouge'?
Malus 'Diable Rouge' is a versatile, multi-season tree that offers stunning spring blooms, rich summer foliage, and vibrant autumn colours. Its compact size and striking form make it a perfect addition to small gardens, urban spaces, or as a specimen tree. The ornamental fruit adds further visual appeal and wildlife value, providing a valuable resource for birds and insects.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Other Ornamental Trees – Pair with Prunus (Cherry Blossom) or Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) for contrasting flower colours and foliage forms.
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Flowering Shrubs – Combine with Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose) or Cornus alba (Red-Twig Dogwood) for year-round interest and vibrant colour.
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Perennials & Grasses – Underplant with Heuchera, Helenium, or Echinacea for contrasting textures and seasonal colour.
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Spring Bulbs – Complement with Crocus, Daffodils (Narcissus), or Tulips for a vibrant early-season display as the tree comes into bloom.
Malus 'Diable Rouge' is a truly striking tree that offers exceptional beauty and interest throughout the seasons. Its compact form, vibrant spring flowers, rich foliage, and ornamental fruit make it an outstanding choice for small gardens, urban spaces, and wildlife-friendly landscapes. With minimal care and maximum impact, it's a tree that will bring both charm and colour to your garden for years to come.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
