Crabapple tree ( Malus spp . ) are known for their splendid fountain display of white or pinkish blossoms , but they offer something to the garden year - round . The trees have lustrous farewell during the summertime that turn yellow in the fall . As crabapple tree get on , they develop interesting mottled barque for winter interest .
Crabapples are small trees , generally growing 15 to 20 feet , making them an ideal tree for small residential lot . They can be planted under power lines and in a motley bottom . Cold - hardy in USDA plant hardiness geographical zone 4 through 8 , crabapple trees have secure Mrs. Henry Wood and rarely suffer from branch breakage . For other landscape gardening trees , see this article onfast grow tree .
Crabapples are related to apples . The main distinguishing conflict between the two is that crabapple trees produce apples that are less than 2 in in diam . These apples are edible , albeit tart . Use them for succus or jelly . If you ’re not interested in grow crabapples for their fruit , opt a variety with modest , persistent yield that ask less maintenance . The birds will appreciate the Malus pumila , but you wo n’t have to spend time cleaning them up from the ground .
Growing Crabapple Trees
Like apple trees , crabapple tree are typically engraft onto rootstock , although they may occasionally be sold as seedlings . Dwarf varieties standing less than 15 feet are useable . When imbed crabapples , prefer a cheery location with loamy clay or loamy sand soil . A locating with an eastern or northerly exposure is safe than a southerly or western exposure , which may cause the tree to bud too too soon in the bounce . A late spring cold cinch can demolish the peak on these Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0 . Amend acidulous soils with lime several month prior to implant .
Dig a cakehole almost as deep and twice as wide as the base ball . Set the tree diagram on its side and press on the pot to release the tree diagram . Gently slide the tree out of the potful . set up the tree in the gob so it sits two to three inches gamey than the ring soil . If you ’re implant a grafted tree , check that the graft – which is identified as a small gibbousness or wind at the basis of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree – sits 2 inch above the grunge . Fill the grime in halfway and add together two gallons of water to the hole . take the hole completely , tamping down firmly with your foot to get rid of any air pockets . Grade the soil slightly so it slopes aside from the tree and water it again .
Prune your crabapple tree in former wintertime or immediately after flowering to remove any piddle sprout , which are branches that grow vertically . You should also take away any sprouts that grow around the base of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , as well as any dead or diseased branch , or branch that rub against each other .
Crabapple Tree Pests and Diseases
Like apple trees , crabapples are capable to several diseases , include fervency blight , rust , blackleg and powdery mildew . jibe with a county extension phone office to see which disease are common in your area and select a disease resistant variety .
debar plant crabapple tree in a intemperately fertilized and irrigate lawn . These grow conditions encourage soft , leafy ontogenesis , which makes the tree diagram more susceptible to disease . Plant crabapple tree in a mulched bed , when potential , and use drip irrigation rather .
Aphids can sometimes be a problem in spring . You may notice a sticky gist on the farewell or ground , which is honeydew . The honeydew attract fateful pitchy mould . In most cases , predatory insects will usually dispatch the aphid , although you’re able to spray the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with a steady stream of water or insecticidal crude oil .
Crabapple Tree Varieties
When choose a crabapple tree , consider several factors . First , consider the mature size and growth form of the tree . Some crabapples have a wide , spreading , rounded habit , while others have a more upright growth . Choose the one that unspoiled gibe your landscape gardening situation . Select disease - tolerant tree diagram and think about efflorescence color and fruit .
Below are just a few worth considering . ‘Sentinel ’ : an upright tree diagram with red blooms ; tolerant to all the major diseases‘Coralburst ’ : a compendious , rounded variety with excellent disease resistivity ; pinkish blooms‘Sargent ’ : circulate cast , fantabulous disease resistance and whitened blossom
For more information on growing crabapple trees, see the resources below:
flower Crabapple Treesfrom Colorado State University ExtensionCrabapplefrom Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service
The University of Illinois Extension shows you how to select a crabapple treeon YouTube .
Julie Christensen discover about gardening on her grandfather ’s farm and mother ’s vegetable garden in southern Idaho . Today , she lives and gardens on the eminent plain of Colorado . When she ’s not digging in the shite , Julie writes about food for thought , education , parenting and horticulture .
