The Malus ‘Tom Matthews’ (often sold under the code ‘Natton’) is a sensational deciduous Crabapple tree, highly valued for its striking, multi-seasonal display and its adaptability. This tree provides a spectacular show in spring when it is absolutely covered in a mass of deep rosy-pink to red flowers, a real standout in the garden. Following the flowering period, it develops attractive green foliage.
Its key feature is its abundance of small, deep-red ornamental fruit (known as crabapples), which are prolific and persist on the branches well into the colder months. This fruit provides excellent winter colour and is a fantastic food source for local birds. The tree itself has a neat, slightly spreading habit, making it suitable for a variety of garden sizes.
Caring for Your ‘Tom Matthews’
- Growing Conditions: This tree thrives in a position with full sun, which is necessary to ensure the best flower and fruit display. It is a tough and cold-hardy tree, making it suitable for temperate climates with cold winters. It prefers well-draining, fertile soil.
- Watering: Water deeply and regularly while the tree is young and establishing its roots. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, but will perform better with supplemental watering during long, dry summer periods.
- Feeding: Feed your Crabapple tree with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring just as the new growth begins to appear.
- Pruning: Prune during the dormant winter period to maintain a pleasing shape, remove any dead or crossing branches, and encourage good air circulation.
Usage in the Garden
The ‘Tom Matthews’ Crabapple is an excellent ornamental feature tree due to its relatively compact size, making it suitable for suburban backyards. It looks magnificent as a standalone feature in a lawn, or it can be used in a row to line a driveway or pathway. Its spectacular spring bloom and long-lasting winter fruit ensure it provides visual interest in the garden across all four seasons.
