Flowering Crabapples with Persistent Fruit

Malus, Crabapples, Crab Apples, Spring Flowering Trees, Fall Fruit Tree

Flowering Crabapples, Crabapples, Malus, Fragrant Trees, Small Trees, Winter Fruit, Fall Fruit, persistent fruit,

Among the most prized 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!

We have compiled lists of varieties and cultivars with long-lasting fruits to help you select the best flowering crabapple for your yard.

Guide Information

Hardiness	4 - 8
Heat Zones	1 - 9
Plant Type	Trees
Genus	Malus - Crab Apple
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

Flowering Crabapples with Persistent Fruit

Malus ‘Adams’ (Crabapple)

Malus ‘Adams’ is a standout deciduous tree with a captivating display. Its deep pink single flowers, emerging from red buds in mid-spring, create a spectacular floral show. The tree is adorned with abundant glossy red fruits, with blood-red pulp, that persist into winter. The dark green leaves turn stunning shades of orange-red in the fall. With excellent disease resistance, this flowering crabapple is a reliable and exciting addition to any landscape.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Malus ‘Donald Wyman’ (Crabapple)

Malus ‘Donald Wyman’ is an outstanding flowering crabapple tree with a long season of interest. Fragrant, single, white blossoms emerge from pink buds in mid-spring, followed by abundant clusters of glossy, red fruits that persist into winter. The tree’s toothed, dark green leaves turn golden in fall. Highly disease resistant and attractive to birds, ‘Donald Wyman’ shines in every season.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Malus ‘Indian Magic’ (Crabapple)

With its stunning fruit and vibrant fall foliage, Malus ‘Indian Magic’ is a compact deciduous tree that offers year-round appeal. Fragrant pink flowers emerge in mid-spring, followed by glossy red fruits that turn golden orange. The deep green leaves transform to a brilliant golden orange in the fall. Perfect for small gardens.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Malus ‘Louisa’ (Crabapple)

Malus ‘Louisa’ is an exquisite weeping Crabapple tree with fragrant, soft pink flowers in mid-spring. Its gracefully cascading branches are adorned with glossy, golden-yellow fruits that persist into winter. The deep green foliage turns yellow-orange in the fall, adding to its allure. This disease-resistant tree is a stunning addition to any landscape.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m)
Spread	12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m)

Malus ‘Prairifire’ (Crabapple)

Malus ‘Prairifire’ is a captivating deciduous tree with an extended season of interest. Its dark pink to red flowers open from pinkish-red buds in mid-late spring, followed by abundant purplish-red fruits that persist for months. The leaves transition from maroon to dark green with purplish-red veins, then turn golden-bronze in the fall. The glossy dark red bark adds to its overall appeal.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Malus Royal Raindrops® (Crabapple)

Malus Royal Raindrops® is a stunning purple-leafed crabapple tree with a broad rounded shape. In mid-spring, it produces fragrant magenta-pink flowers that stand out against the reddish-purple foliage. The tree also bears abundant sparkling red fruits in late summer, cherished by birds. Its deep purple leaves maintain their color throughout summer and transform into beautiful shades of bronze, orange, and purple in the fall. Noteworthy for its disease resistance, heat tolerance, and ability to withstand drought.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m)

Malus ‘Snowdrift’ (Crabapple)

Malus ‘Snowdrift’ is a captivating deciduous tree with an upright, broad-rounded form. In mid-late spring, it produces masses of pure white flowers from red buds, creating a stunning display. The tree is adorned with clusters of orange-red fruits that persist into winter. Its glossy green leaves turn a beautiful golden-yellow in the fall, adding to its appeal as a small ornamental tree for any landscape.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Malus ‘Sugar Tyme’ (Crabapple)

Malus ‘Sugar Tyme’ is a captivating deciduous tree with a long-lasting display. Its pure white flowers, opening from pale pink buds in mid-spring, create a stunning sight. The tree remains adorned with abundant radiant red fruits throughout the year, adding to its charm. The glossy green leaves turn bronze-yellow in the fall, contributing to its year-round beauty. This disease-resistant crabapple tree is a delightful addition to any landscape.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	14' - 20' (4.3m - 6.1m)
Spread	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)

Malus ‘Thunderchild’ (Crabapple)

Compact and hardy, Malus ‘Thunderchild’ is a deciduous tree that delights with its year-round appeal. In mid-spring, it showcases fragrant dark pink flowers, followed by abundant ruby-red fruits loved by birds. The deep purple summer leaves transition to a beautiful dark red in fall. Resistant to diseases, it’s a perfect addition to any landscape.

Hardiness	3 - 7
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)

Malus × moerlandsii ‘Profusion’ (Crabapple)

Renowned for its profusion of vibrant flowers, Malus ‘Profusion’ is an upright, deciduous tree with a spreading, rounded habit. Its fragrant, deep rose-pink blooms appear in clusters in mid-spring, followed by abundant blood-red fruits that persist into winter. The foliage transitions from reddish-purple to bronze-green and then showcases stunning fall colors. This flowering crabapple is also resistant to diseases.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	15' - 30' (4.6m - 9.1m)
Spread	20' - 35' (6.1m - 10.7m)

Malus × scheideckeri ‘Red Jade’ (Crabapple)

Malus ‘Red Jade’ is a captivating crabapple tree known for its elegant weeping branches. In mid-spring, it produces fragrant white flowers from pink buds, adorning the cascading branches. These give way to abundant bright red fruits that persist into winter and attract birds. The glossy jade green leaves turn yellow in fall, adding to its charm.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Malus × zumi var. calocarpa (Redbud Crabapple)

Malus × zumi var. calocarpa (Redbud Crabapple) is a prized deciduous tree with abundant blooms and vibrant fall fruits. Its weeping branches display fragrant, soft pink flowers that fade to white in late spring. The glossy, bright red fruits mature in fall and can persist into winter, providing a visual feast for birds. The foliage transitions to golden shades in the fall, adding to its beauty.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	12' - 20' (3.7m - 6.1m)
Spread	12' - 20' (3.7m - 6.1m)

Malus sargentii ‘Tina’ (Sargent Crabapple)

Malus sargentii ‘Tina’ (Sargent Crabapple) is a perfect choice for smaller gardens and as a standout specimen plant. This dwarf deciduous shrub offers a long season of interest, starting with fragrant white blossoms in mid-spring, followed by persistent tiny red fruits in fall. Its dense, spreading canopy of dark green leaves turns golden in autumn, adding to its appeal. It’s a versatile option for shrub borders or near patios.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Malus sargentii (Sargent Crabapple)

Malus sargentii (Sargent Crabapple) is a stunning dwarf deciduous shrub or small tree that adds beauty to any landscape. In mid to late spring, fragrant white blossoms, opening from pink buds, cover the branches. These flowers are followed by persistent red fruits in the fall, which attract birds. The dark green leaves turn golden in autumn, revealing the elegant zigzagging branches.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m)

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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.