Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Roseybloom, syn. Malus x sieboldii

Description:

A popular ornamental tree absolutely smothered in pink to white flowers from red buds in spring; persistent bright red fruit in fall, pyramidal habit of growth; makes a perfect accent in the larger landscape, needs well-drained soil and full sun

Ornamental Features

Redbud Crabapple is smothered in stunning clusters of fragrant white flowers with pink overtones along the branches in mid spring, which emerge from distinctive red flower buds before the leaves. The fruits are showy red pomes carried in abundance from early fall to late winter. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn yellow in fall.

Landscape Attributes

Redbud Crabapple is a dense deciduous tree with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Disease

Redbud Crabapple is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• Vertical Accent

Planting & Growing

Redbud Crabapple will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.