Species Japanese crabapple
Red-maroon fruit with petiole, green leaves, burgundy midrib and veins, and dark-brown branches

Japanese crabapple

Malus floribunda

The Japanese crabapple (Malus floribunda) is a deciduous tree with abundant clusters of bright pink blossoms each spring. The pendulous branches are covered in dark green foliage that turns an orange-red in autumn. It is a hardy tree that can reach heights of up to 25 feet high. This species is resistant to many common pests and diseases. It can tolerate full sun and clay soils, and prefers cool climates. Its small, red-orange fruit is edible and makes an attractive addition to any garden. With its low maintenance requirements and vibrant display of blooms, the Japanese crabapple is a valued tree to adorn any landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Red buds open to pale pink flowers which mature white Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Fruits:

red,yellow,orange Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Japanese crabapple trees should be watered deeply once a week during dry weather in spring and summer. Water until the top 12 inches of soil is moist and never let the soil dry out completely. In hotter climates, you may need to water more often. During the fall and winter, water the tree only when the soil is dry to the touch. When watering, make sure the soil is evenly moist throughout the root zone.

sunlight

Japanese crabapple (Malus floribunda) plants do well in full sun, receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Sunlight is important for flowering and fruit production, so ensuring that your Japanese crabapple gets the full benefit of the sun is important. Consider planting your Japanese crabapple tree in a bright, sunny spot in the garden where it will be exposed to sunlight most of the day. The best time for sunlight is during the spring and summer months when temperatures are warmer, and the sun is higher in the sky. In addition, some indirect afternoon sunlight is beneficial for Japanese crabapple trees in the cooler spring and fall months.

pruning

Japanese crabapple (Malus floribunda) should be pruned in late winter before new growth begins, when the plant is still in a dormant state. Pruning should be minimal; typically light shaping is all that is necessary to maintain the desired shape and size. Dead wood, crossing branches, and diseased wood should be pruned away when identified. Since crabapple trees are naturally dense in growth, thinning out overcrowded branches can help improve air circulation within the canopy, helping to maintain healthy growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Malus floribunda typically begins in late August and continues through October.

Starts Flowering

The Japanese crabapple typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Malus floribunda typically begins in late August and continues through October.

Hardiness Map