This plant is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil, but tolerates most
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: February to March
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A wonderfully floriferous hedging plant for May, the native crab apple has gorgeous, soft pink buds that burst open to reveal pretty white blooms. Plant either as a single species hedge or mix with other natives such as hazel, guelder rose, spindle and blackthorn.
  
  
• Garden care: Plant immediately upon receipt for best results into a well cultivated area. Trim the hedge over winter, but prior to mid-February, to avoid the bird nesting season. Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plants in early spring.