Flowering Crabapple
Malus spp.
Overview
Popular ornamental tree for residential landscapes, valued for spring flowers and wildlife benefits
Identification
Leaves
Oval leaves with serrated edges. Some cultivars have purple or reddish foliage. Fall color ranges from yellow to orange.
Bark
Gray-brown bark that develops scaly texture with age.
Flowers
Showy flowers in spring, often fragrant. Colors range from white through pink to deep red depending on cultivar. Major ornamental feature.
Fruit
Small apple-like fruits (0.5-2 inches) in various colors. Persistent into winter, excellent wildlife food source.
🦆 Valuable wildlife food source
Growing Conditions
Climate
Well-adapted to Eastern Ontario climate. Select disease-resistant cultivars for best performance
Hardiness Zones: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b
Light Requirements
Soil
Moisture: moist
Drainage: well-drained
pH Range: 5.5 - 7.5
Tolerance
Care & Maintenance
Pruning
Best Season: February-April
Frequency: Annual light pruning recommended
- Prune in February-April (late winter to early spring)
- Remove suckers and water sprouts
- Thin crowded branches for air circulation
- Remove crossed or damaged branches
Avoid: No specific restrictions but avoid heavy pruning
Watering
Establishment: Regular watering for first 2 years
Mature: Moderate water needs
Seasonal Care Timeline
Spring
- Fire blight risk during bloom
- Apple scab spores released
- Spectacular flower display
- Monitor for disease development
Summer
- Apple scab symptoms appear
- Monitor for fire blight
- Water during drought
- Fruit development
Fall
- Colorful fruit display
- Remove scabby leaves
- Fruit attracts wildlife
- Good time for planting
Winter
- Persistent fruit provides winter interest
- Wildlife food source
- Prune fire blight infections
Common Issues
Apple Scab
ModerateFungal disease causing leaf spots and defoliation
Symptoms: Olive-green to black spots on leaves, Premature leaf drop, Fruit spots
Treatment: Rake and destroy fallen leaves, fungicide applications
Prevention: Plant scab-resistant cultivars, ensure good air circulation
Fire Blight
HighBacterial disease causing branch dieback
Symptoms: Shepherd's crook branch tips, Blackened flowers, Oozing cankers
Treatment: Prune infected branches 12 inches below symptoms, disinfect tools
Prevention: Plant resistant varieties, avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer
Quick Facts
When to Call an Arborist
Recommended inspection: Annual inspection
- •Extensive fire blight infection
- •Severe apple scab
- •Structural problems
- •Significant pest infestation
Free consultation for Belleville residents
Recommended Services
Based on Flowering Crabapple characteristics