Flowering Crabapples with Persistent Fruit
Malus, Crabapples, Crab Apples, Spring Flowering Trees, Fall Fruit Tree
Among the most prized of ornamental trees, flowering crabapples have long been a staple of landscape gardening. They are best known for their spectacular display of magnificent blooms in spring and colorful fall fruit. Their summer foliage, small stature, and various tree shapes add to their charm and give them year-round interest.
From fall into winter, crabapples put on a terrific display of colorful fruit in a wide array of colors, including pale lime, chartreuse with yellow highlights, various shades of gold often rouged with pink, orange, or bright red cheeks, bright orange, crimson, carmine, burgundy or even bishop's purple. If persistent, their color parade can be enjoyed for months unless hungry birds feast on them.
- Persistent fruits cling to the branches and do not drop. Not only do they provide color and winter interest, but they do not litter the ground.
- Fruit can be large (1-2 in. or 2.5-5 cm), medium-sized (0.5-1 in. or 1.3-2 cm), small (0.25-0.5 in. or 0.6-1.3 cm) or mini-fruited (less than 0.25 in.). Generally speaking, the smaller fruits are an asset as they do not fall, rot or litter the yard.
- If you want a flowering crabapple with terrific winter interest, you may want to select a tree with persistent fruits. Be aware, that your crabapple tree may become a banquet for wildlife in winter when food is scarce or difficult to find due to snow cover!
To help you select the best flowering crabapple for your yard, we have compiled lists of varieties and cultivars with long-lasting fruits.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
4 - 8
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9
|
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Malus - Crabapples |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Birds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
By Zanna Pesnina/Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
4 - 8
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9
|
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Malus - Crabapples |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Birds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |