Malus ioensis ‘Plena’ (Betchel’s Crabapple)

A prolific bloomer, Malus ioensis ‘Plena’ (Betchel’s Crabapple) is a compact, spreading, deciduous tree with a rounded crown. Opening from bright pink buds, masses of delightfully fragrant, pale pink, double flowers appear in late spring, when its fresh foliage has broken dormancy. Draped in clusters along the ascending branches, they provide a dramatic display and attract butterflies. They are followed by small, edible, spherical, dark red fruits that are happily devoured by birds. The foliage of narrowly ovate, glossy leaves with serrated margins, turns attractive shades of bronze, orange, and red in the fall. A magnificent crabapple as a specimen tree, even for small gardens, that is resistant to powdery mildew.

• Grows up to 10-20 ft. tall and wide (3-6 m).
• A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in moderately fertile, well-drained soils. Once established, it is drought tolerant.
• Perfect as a specimen plant, in city gardens or cottage gardens.
• Requires only minimal pruning in late winter, to remove damaged, diseased or misplaced growth.
• Fruit drop may be a minor nuisance in pedestrian or paved areas.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.