Malus ‘Golden Hornet’, Yellow ornamental apple, Height 80 cm, 5-litre pot

Malus ‘Golden Hornet’ is a profusely flowering ornamental apple tree best known for its striking golden-yellow fruit. In spring, the season begins with a profusion of white to pale-coloured flowers, followed by numerous yellow ornamental apples from late summer onwards.

The fruits can remain on the bare branches well into autumn and winter. As a result, ‘Golden Hornet’ offers ornamental value not only whilst in flower, but throughout much of the year. Reaching a final height of around 4 to 6 metres, it is a lovely ornamental tree for medium-sized and larger gardens.

Why choose Malus ‘Golden Hornet’?

• Abundant white spring blossoms
• Numerous striking golden-yellow ornamental apples
• Fruit can remain on the tree well into winter
• Fresh green foliage with yellow autumn colouring
• Beneficial to bees, bumblebees and birds
• Mature height of approx. 4–6 metres
• Very hardy

Contents of this product

• 1 x Malus ‘Golden Hornet’ – yellow ornamental apple
- Pot size: 5 litres
• Height on delivery: approx. 80 cm (approximate)

The tree is supplied in a nursery pot and will continue to grow after planting. Height, branching, crown shape and foliage may vary depending on the season, pruning and natural growth.

Abundant flowering in spring

In April and May, ‘Golden Hornet’ blooms profusely, with flowers that open from dark pink to purple-pink buds to white or pale shades. As a result, the tree can become beautifully covered in blossom throughout the flowering period.

The flowers are visited by bees, bumblebees and other pollinating insects, making this ornamental apple tree an ecologically interesting addition to the garden.

Golden-yellow ornamental apples

After flowering, the fruits for which ‘Golden Hornet’ is particularly well known begin to develop. From late summer onwards, the ornamental apples turn a deep yellow to golden yellow. They grow to a size of about 2 to 2.5 cm and can appear in large numbers on the tree.

One of its key ornamental features is that the fruit can remain on the branches for a long time. When the leaves fall in autumn, the yellow apples therefore remain strikingly visible on the bare tree. Birds, too, can enjoy the fruit later in the season.

Growth and final form

Malus ‘Golden Hornet’ grows into a medium-sized ornamental tree, reaching a height of approximately 4 to 6 metres. The crown develops into an egg-shaped to broadly oval form and becomes increasingly full as the tree matures.

The leaves are a fresh green during the growing season and turn yellow in the autumn before falling off.

Location and care

Plant ‘Golden Hornet’ preferably in a sunny spot. It will also tolerate light partial shade, but sufficient sun promotes flowering and fruit development.

The tree grows best in nutrient-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Be sure to water young and newly planted trees in particular during prolonged dry spells.

In the spring, compost or organic fertiliser can be applied to support healthy growth, flowering and fruit development.

Prune

This ornamental apple tree requires little pruning. Allow the tree to develop its natural crown as much as possible and remove only dead, damaged, crossing or unwanted branches.

If pruning is necessary, keep it to a minimum so that the natural shape is preserved.

Winter care

Malus ‘Golden Hornet’ is very hardy and does not normally require any additional winter protection when planted in the ground.

The tree is deciduous. After turning yellow in autumn, the leaves fall off, whilst the golden-yellow ornamental apples may remain on the bare branches for quite some time.

For lovers of ornamental apples

‘Golden Hornet’ is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a splash of colour, particularly in autumn and winter. The white spring blossoms are followed by striking golden-yellow fruits, meaning the tree changes its appearance over several seasons.

For example, combine it with red-fruited or dark-leaved ornamental apple trees such as Malus ‘Royalty’ to create extra contrast in the colour of the flowers, leaves and fruit.