A yellow fruiting crab apple tree. Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: May Hardiness: fully hardy The delicate, white blossom of 'Comtesse de Paris' wraps around the crown of this small, slightly spreading deciduous tree. As the pretty white petals begin to fall, the mid-green leaves unfurl and later in the year, the spent blooms are replaced with lemon yellow fruit. Considered to be an improvement on the better known 'Golden Hornet', it is more balanced in shape with better disease resistance. Garden care: Plant 'Comtesse de Paris' as soon as conditions allow (avoiding frozen and waterlogged soil). Choose a sheltered spot to protect emerging blossom. Incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake and support firmly. If required, prune in winter to remove any dead, diseased or crossing branches.
