These deciduous trees are ideal as specimens for smaller gardens, bearing crab apples in autumn ranging from yellow to red, their leaves turning yellow and orange too.

Grow M x zumi Golden Hornet for its spherical golden yellow fruits, which appear in autumn and remain on the bare branches well into winter. In spring, the trees bear masses of blossom ranging from white to pink and purplish red.

They can be grown in any fertile, well-drained soil in sun and will tolerate light shade, but purple-leaved varieties are best in full sun. Prune them in winter to remove dead or damaged branches.

Good varieties include M Veitch’s Carlet and M John Downie. Many are best grown as specimen trees where their pretty fruits can be fully appreciated.