Tree · Rosaceae family
apple
Malus domestica
In short a 10-second read
Apple (tree) grows to 4.5–8 m tall and 4.5–7 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in soil from dry to moist. It flowers in April–May; the flowers are white or pink. Hardy to −29 °C.
× spread 4.5–7 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in soil from dry to moist. Hardy to −29 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, loamy, sandy
Soil pH 6–8.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
April–May · white or pink
Pruning
cut back by a third (November–March)
Planting
container plant: October–April; bare-root: October–March; root-balled: October–March
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −29 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −29 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does apple flower?
In April–May; the flowers are white or pink.
Does apple tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does apple need?
At maturity 4.5–7 m wide and 4.5–8 m tall; recommended spacing 450 cm.
Does apple survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −29 °C.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 17 expert sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (17)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Malus domestica
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Malus domestica
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Malus domestica
- EPPO Global Database — Malus domestica
- RHS — Fruit tree rootstocks
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (UK škôlka) — Fruit tree rootstock tree sizes
- RHS - Apples
- RHS - Winter pruning apples and pears
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow trees
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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