THE BEST CRABAPPLE TREE VARIETIES FOR EVERY HOME
By Admin • March 13, 2018
Crabapple trees become covered in springtime blooms, and in the fall, their fruits provide another show of beauty. These trees require regular trimming to maintain a nice shape and prevent disease. However, your work will pay off when you're rewarded with a gorgeous, ornamental tree.
All crabapple trees are not alike. There are hundreds of varieties in various sizes and with different flower colors and fruit types. Below, you'll find suggestions for crabapple varieties to suit an array of preferences.
SMALL, ORNAMENTAL CRABAPPLES
If you're searching for a tree to fit in a garden bed, there are a few compact varieties to consider. Both of these trees mature at less than 10 feet tall.
Firebird
Firebird crabapples may be small, but they make a big statement in April. Red buds appear on the tree and open to reveal stark-white flowers. The crabapples themselves are bright red and linger from summer through winter. Firebird crabapples do best in full sunlight and have a broad canopy, so they take up plenty of horizontal space in your garden bed.
Pink Princess
If you're looking for a classic, pink-blooming crabapple tree, then this dwarf variety may suit your needs. Pink Princess crabapples have leaves that emerge with a purple tint in spring, soon fading to a dark green. The flowers themselves are very fragrant, which attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard. Pink Princess crabapples are tolerant of air pollution, but they do prefer full sunlight and well-drained, loamy soil.
MEDIUM-SIZED CRABAPPLES
Perhaps you want a crabapple that is a bit larger, but not so big that it hangs over your roof or garage. These medium-sized varieties are about 15 feet tall at maturity, and they both have unique shapes to add interest to your space.
Red Jewel
Red Jewel crabapple trees are named for their bright-red fruit, which does not attract wildlife. In the spring, the tree becomes absolutely covered with white flowers. This variety has an oval-shaped crown, so it can fit in narrower spaces than more sprawling varieties. Regular pruning while the tree is young is essential to establish a strong trunk.
Indian Magic
Indian Magic crabapple trees have delicate pink blossoms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This variety adapts well to a wide range of soil types and can tolerate short-lived droughts. Indian Magic crabapple trees have a round, stout shape. Its fruits are orange-red in color, and they stay on the tree well into winter.
LARGE, SHADE-PRODUCING CRABAPPLES
If you want a larger crabapple tree, then here are two wonderful varieties to consider. Both mature at around 20 feet tall and make less of a mess than you might expect from a large fruit tree.
Marilee
Marilee crabapples are the perfect variety for homeowners who don't want to spend autumn sweeping up crabapples. This variety is naturally fruitless, but it still produces pretty white blossoms in the spring. Marilee crabapples adapt to most soil types and thrive in full sunlight. They are known to grow quickly, so you'll have an ample-sized shade tree before you know it.
Radiant
Radiant crabapple trees have deep-pink blossoms and small, red fruits that attract birds during winter. Their foliage has a purple hint when new and takes on a bronze-green color later in the season. Radiant crabapple trees have a round, sprawling shape, which makes them an excellent choice for shade. They'll tolerate partial sunlight, making them a good choice for a yard with existing shade trees.
All of these crabapples grow well in USDA Zone 6 and are resistant to common apple diseases. If you need help pruning or caring for your new crabapple tree, contact County Tree Service. We offer comprehensive tree care services in the St. Louis area.
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