With its slender shape and compact footprint, this columnar apple tree is perfect for patio containers and small gardens. Scarlet Sentinel's full-sized, juicy apples grow on spurs directly from the tree's main trunk.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Malus domestica 'Scarlet Sentinel'

COMMON NAME: Scarlet Sentinel Columnar Apple

GARDEN SIZE: 8-10 feet tall by 2-3 feet wide

USDA ZONE: 4-8

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Loamy & well drained soil

HABIT (FORM): Columnar semi-dwarf

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; Green

BLOOM TIME: Early season - Flowering Group 2

HARVEST TIME: Early-midseason - ripens mid to late September

FRUIT: Large, greenish-yellow apples with a strong red blush and sweet, juicy white flesh

USES: Eating fresh, cooking, juice

POLLENIZATION: Needs another compatible apple tree nearby to produce fruit.

POLLENIZATION (Trees that pollenize this one): Anna, Colonnade Golden Sentinel, CrimsonCrisp, Fuji, Golden Russet, Granny Smith, Hardy Cumberland, Jonathan, Marshall Mac, McIntosh, Pink Lady, Royal Red Honeycrisp, Sweet Sixteen, Urban Apple 'Blushing Delight', Urban Apple 'Golden Treat', Urban Apple 'Tangy Green', Wolf River, Zestar!

POLLENIZATION (Trees that are pollenized by this one): Anna, Arkansas Black, Colonnade Golden Sentinel, CrimsonCrisp, Fuji, Golden Russet, Granny Smith, Hardy Cumberland, Jonathan, Liberty, Marshall Mac, McIntosh, Pink Lady, Royal Red Honeycrisp, Sweet Sixteen, Urban Apple 'Blushing Delight', Urban Apple 'Golden Treat', Urban Apple 'Tangy Green', Winesap, Wolf River, Zestar!

CARE: Prune while the tree is dormant. Remove water sprouts in June or July. Options for controlling pests, bacterial infections, and fungal disease include dormant oils applied early in the season before blooming, scented insect traps, and copper-based fungicides. DO NOT apply insecticides during blooming. This risks harming bees, which are crucial for pollination and fruit production. If necessary, fireblight can be treated with a streptomycin antibiotic spray during blooming. Apple trees need about an inch of water every 7-10 days, though young trees need a little more during their first growing season as they establish roots. If not enough rain has fallen, give the tree extra water by running a hose at a trickle around the base of the tree until the ground is fully soaked (but not for so long that there is standing water). Waterlogged roots can harm apple trees, so don't overdo it!

DISEASE RESISTANCE: Very resistant to apple scab

TOXICITY: Stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanide and are therefore toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The fruit is non-toxic.