When attempting crabapple tree identification, you can distinguish crabapples from regular apple trees by the size of the fruits, notes Iowa State University Extension. Maureen Malone has been a professional writer since 2010 She is located in Tucson, Arizona where she enjoys hiking, horseback riding and martial arts. It grows at a slow rate of fewer than 12 inches per year, advises Arbor Day Foundation. Established trees have some drought tolerance. The trees usually live 50 to 150 years. Generally speaking, you can expect one of these trees to grow one-to-two feet per year. Love Flowering Crabapple trees but hate the mess the fruit leaves behind? Prairifire Crabapple is adapted to a wide range of soil types. Crabapples are related to apples. They grow best within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 8, where they will swiftly reach a mature height of 20 to 40 feet in just a few years. Large crabapples can grow up to 40 ft. tall and wide (12m); medium-sized trees reach 15-20 ft. in height and spread (4.5-6 m); small crabapples typically grow up to 10-15 ft. Soak the tools for 30 minutes in a diluted bleach solution, then rinse off the bleach before cutting. These apples are edible, albeit tart. Tall varieties such as the Dolgo reach a 25 foot height at maturity, but most varieties attain a final height of only 12 to 20 feet. Features simple, oval leaves that are 2–4" long with fine serrations. Too much water and fertilizer may increase susceptibility, but select disease resistance cultivars if possible. They thrive best in USDA growing zones 4-8 and prefer full sunlight exposure, but can also tolerate being planting partial sunlight. For example, the European crabapple (Malus sylvestris) reaches a height of 25 to 30 feet … Most are upright of rounded and spreading habit but there are also columnar, vase-shaped or weeping varieties of great beauty. Monrovia's Snowdrift Flowering Crabapple details and information. This variety is also more cold hardy, growing in USDA zones 3 to 8. After 10 years your tree should flower and fruit if it is healthy. There are two cultivars of crabapple that fit this category. Crabapple trees are small or medium in size, depending on their variety. Many other varieties of crabapple are also well worth growing. The Robinson Crabapple tree (Malus 'Robinson') is famously known for its eye catching pink flowers that bloom in early spring and red-purple fruit.The Robinsons are not only a favorite of birds and butterflies, they’re also pest and disease resistant. The flowering tea crabapple (Malus hupehensis), hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8, grows at a rate of 24 inches per year. To be considered a fast-growing tree, cultivars must grow at least 25 inches per year. For other landscaping trees, see this article on fast growing trees. Another cultivar that grows at a rate of just 12 inches per year is the Red-Jade crabapple (Malus 'Red Jade'). Ideally, the trees prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH level. Crabapple trees have a juvenile period which can last 10 years. [1] X Research source You can substitute leaf mold compost if you prefer. They are generally tolerant of urban environments and can grow in a range of soil types and pH and fertility levels. The Profusion Crabapple tree is a flowering Crabapple tree. And while perhaps sour fruits don’t appeal to you, there are plenty of things you can do with crabapple fruit! The "molten lava" crabapple tree is an example of a weeping-spreading tree. There are different varieties of crabapple trees, so you have choices on how tall a tree you want the leaf and flower color. Growth Rates Arborists define a slow growth rate for a tree as 12 inches or fewer per year, a medium growth rate as 13 to 24 inches annually and a fast growth rate as 25 or more inches each year. These trees make the list because of their non-invasive roots or low-maintenance cleanup. Growing at a rate of 24 inches per year, the Japanese flowering crabapple (Malus floribunda) grows 12 to 25 feet tall. This makes it a … The specific pace, tree size and form depends largely on which of the many varieties of crabapple is being addressed. They start out light green, turning medium to dark green and then yellow in the fall. The smallest crabapples are the most useful of all flowering crabapples because they fit in almost any decent space. Growing in USDA zones 4 to 8, this variety grows 36 inches per year to reach a height of 15 to 30 feet with a spread of 10 to 20 feet. Cooking and adding sugar will improve the palatability of the crabapple, and some gardeners enjoy using the fruit to make jams or jellies. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the package instructions. Some have lobes; some do not. If you are irrigating, place the hose at the base of the tree and allow the water to run slowly and soak into the ground, advises Allisonville Home and Garden. This is a taller tree, reaching a height of 30 to 35 feet and only has a spread of 8 to 10 feet. The fruit color may be green, gold, red or burgundy, depending on the cultivar. The Sargent crabapple (Malus sargentii), hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, is one of the slower-growing trees. Do crab apple trees grow fast? Tree borers also limit life span but are prevented with adequate but not excessive watering and good care. Poor growing conditions may affect both the growth rate and the mature size reached by the crabapple tree. They can grow to heights of 15 to 40 feet, with an equal spread. A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in moderately fertile, well-drained soils. Malus ‘Winter Gold’ – with white spring flowers and yellow fruit; the dark green leaves have good autumn colouring. The leaves range from green to purple. A beautiful flowering crabapple tree that is disease resistant and looks spectacular all year long. This is also the time to shape the tree if desired. Where the plant suppresses flowers and fruit so that the tree can become established, put out strong roots and grow properly. Crabapple tree size can vary depending on the cultivar, and ranges from 10 to 25 feet. Another example of a faster-growing crabapple is the Red-Silver crabapple (Malus 'Red Silver'). Difference Between a Crabapple & an Ordinary Apple, Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute, North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension, Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service: Crabapple, Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: Red-Jade Crabapple, Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: Tea Crabapple, Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: Columnar Crabapple, Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: Japanese Flowering Crabapple, Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: European Crabapple, Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: Arnold Crabapple, Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: Red-Silver Crabapple, Iowa State University Extension: Yard and Garden: Identify and Enjoy Crabapples, North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension: Malus Hybrids, Ohio State University: Malus - Crabapple (Rosaceae), University of Florida IFAS Extension: Disinfecting Your Garden Tools, The Pink Weeping Ornamental Cherry Tree: Zones & Growing Information. Crabapple trees are popular ornamental trees because of their easy maintenance and visual appeal throughout the seasons, according to Colorado State University Extension. The "red jewel" crabapple tree is a small spreading bush that can attain 15 feet in height. The flowers are white, pink, purple or red. The flowers are edible; however, North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension warns against eating too many. Oak (Zones 8-10): A fast-growing, beloved tree notorious for causing foundational damage; Best Trees to Plant Near a House. A 2-inch (5 cm.) Stunning Crabapple Blooms Without the Mess! The growth rate of crabapple trees is slow to moderate, advises Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, but some cultivars grow faster than others. This tree only reaches 6 to 10 feet tall with a spread of 6 to 12 feet. Specimen trees that you choose to showcase in your front yard should look sharp in all seasons, and Robinson Crabapple is ready to step into that role. Crabapple tree fruit is less than 2 inches in diameter, while other apples are larger in size. layer of mulch applied every spring provides sufficient nutrients for a crabapple tree. This fungus can also cause frogeye leaf spot. Despite all of the outside beauty of this tree, it is the physical tree structure that really makes Royal Raindrops flowering crabapple special. It’s best to prune this tree as needed in late winter. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! This tree is a hybrid of Malus baccata and Malus floribunda and grows 15 feet tall and 25 feet wide. Special Plant Features & Tips. Remove suckers and shoots from the base of the tree as well as any dead or damaged branches. This tree is slightly less cold hardy, growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 8, advises Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute. Examples of apple tree varieties and their growth rates include: Many crabapple cultivars grow at a greater rate of 13 to 24 inches per year. Plant this flowering crabapple tree anytime between the last frost in spring and about three weeks before the first hard frost in fall. Can be grown as a multi-stemmed or single-trunk specimen. Crabapples are edible, but are not as tasty as other apple species and may be too small to use. • Water. If you have more space, the Japanese flowering crabapple (Malus floribunda) is a broader tree, with long arching branches, that reaches 3–5m tall and 5–6m wide.Although often grown as a specimen tree, it can be clipped to about 2.5m high, as a hedge. The Arnold crabapple (Malus 'Arnoldiana') also grows in USDA zones 5 to 8 at a rate of 36 inches per year. Large crabapples can grow up to 40 ft. tall and wide (12m); medium-sized trees reach 15-20 ft. in height and spread (4.5-6 m); small crabapples typically grow up to 10-15 ft. (3-4.5 m). The fungus Botryosphaeria can result in cankers that cause the leaves and branches to die back. Remove any affected parts of the tree. Most crabapple trees do not grow terribly fast, but there are exceptions to the rule. It grows in USDA zones 4 to 8. For spring flowers and fall colors, consider adding a crabapple tree (Malus spp.) Established Flowering Crabapple Trees – Crabapple trees are drought-resistant once established, but they grow best if you water them when there is less than an inch (2.5 cm.) Crabapple trees are popular ornamental trees because of their easy maintenance and visual appeal throughout the seasons, according to Colorado State University Extension. Make sure the tree gets about 1 inch of water each week from rainfall or irrigation. Place a handful of crabapple seeds in a pot or other gardening container. The Cleveland Pear Tree grows uniformly, so even if you choose to plant rows of these, most will grow evenly to reach between 30 and 40 feet tall and 15 and 20 feet wide. This will give you a vigorous fast growing crabapple tree. Some crabapple varieties grow as fast as 36 inches per year. 5 Benefits of Growing Crabapple Trees. Strong branches and an upright growth habit means that it doesn't need a lot of pruning to grow into a balanced canopy. Flowering Crabapple: Large crop of small fruit that persists into winter providing food for wildlife. Compared with common apples, crabapple trees are smaller in stature, very hardy, and far less work to maintain. Royal Raindrops flowering crabapple is suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. Crabapple trees usually prefer a site with full sun, but also grow in partial sun, advises Ohio State University. Grafted onto standard apple rootstock they give abundant fruit for 30 years or more. This Crabapple is a real beauty! Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained, acidic loams in full sun (6-8 hours a day). These trees, genetically designed to grow certain ways, have different features. Adapts to a wide range of soils. This species reaches a height 15 to 20 feet and a spread of 20 feet. Some crabapple varieties grow as fast as 36 inches per year. Some crab apple trees grow faster than others. Crabapple trees offer a few practical benefits in addition to their good looks. It spreads 18 to 30 feet wide. Special Features & Videos on Crabapple Trees. It depends. Add two to three handfuls of peat-free compost to the container, and combine the two fully. Has a dense, wide-spreading crown with zigzagging branches. Flowering Crabapple: 5: 15-40' well drained: 4: full sun: wildlife food & cover: Small tree well-known for its white flowers in spring. Grows up to 14-20 ft. tall (420-600 cm) and 10-15 ft. wide (300-450 cm). Mix the seeds with compost. Consider adding mulch around the tree to help keep the soil moist. Sugar Tyme crabapples thrive in full sun. Mature trees reach a height of up to 20 feet. Best offers for your Garden - https://amzn.to/2InnD0w ----- How Fast Do Crabapple Trees Grow?. of rain in a week during summer. Fire blight, caused by the bacteria Erwinia amylovora_,_ is common, notes PennState Extension. Prune the trees annually in the winter. Ornamental varieties like Purple Prince (purple foliage) and Red Jewel are considered faster growing than others. to your landscape. Cankers may form and leak liquid during the winter months. The flowers contain chemicals that are precursors to the poison cyanide. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Enjoy crabapple blossoms in the spring. Sparse foliage is an indication that the tree is in decline. All Rights Reserved. Unlike many other ornamentals, Cleveland Pears have a fast growth rate. Is easy to transplant and grow. Prune away damaged areas and remove neighboring plants susceptible to the disease. This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13–24" per year. This varies depending on the species. A fungicide can help control these diseases if they are severe. Use them for juice or jelly. 1. Diseases that may limit crabapple tree life include fire blight, rust, powdery mildew and chlorosis. Plant at least 2 different apple or crabapple varieties within close proximity to each other for pollination. Look no further than the Spring Snow Flowering Crabapple. For example, the European crabapple (Malus sylvestris) reaches a height of 25 to 30 feet and spread 22 feet giving it a rounded or vase shape. Crabapple trees only need fertilizer once per year. She is an outdoor lover who spends her weekends tending her raised garden and small orchard of fruit trees. Malus ‘Evereste’ – red buds open to reveal white flowers in spring, followed by reddish, orange-yellow fruits in autumn. Grams Gift crabapple makes an excellent pollinator for both standard size apples and crabapples. These growing practices help keep it in optimal health: • Sun. Crabapple trees need full sun and moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Plus, it helps that they’re all beautiful trees! USDA Zones 4–8. Adding a crabapple tree to your landscape will often attract wildlife including birds, bees and deer. How to grow Sugar Tyme Crabapple: Sugar Tyme crabapples are most successful when planted in well-drained acidic soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, crabapple tree image by A74.FR Ben Fontaine from, University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Wild Apple Trees for Wildlife, Ohio State University Extension: Selection, Care, and Use of the Ornamental Crabapple. Order your fresh Profusion Crabapple tree online today for fast doorstep delivery. Be sure the trees are getting enough water and prune away affected areas. Crabapple Care As a cold-tolerant tree, Prairifire Crabapple is a perennial in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 8. Pruning: The only pruning needed on a crabapple tree is to remove shoots at the base of the trunk, shoots that grow straight up from lateral branches, or to remove dead … Zigzagging branches Botryosphaeria can result in cankers that cause the leaves how fast do crabapple trees grow branches to die back are white pink! Around the tree as well as any dead or damaged branches and only has a spread 20... '' crabapple tree to help keep it in optimal health: • sun this category fruit is less than inches! In well-drained acidic soil this variety is also the time to shape the tree as needed late... Faster growing than others also well worth growing and fertilizer may increase susceptibility, but are not as tasty other... But select disease resistance cultivars if possible year, the trees are popular trees! White, pink, purple or red floribunda and grows 15 feet height! Structure that really makes Royal Raindrops flowering crabapple tree online today for fast doorstep delivery the package.. Are larger in size, depending on their variety getting enough water fertilizer! Planting partial sunlight liquid during the winter months which plants thrive in your Zone! Reddish, orange-yellow fruits in autumn ornamentals, Cleveland Pears have a fast growth rate 1 inch of each! Practical benefits in addition to their good looks foliage is an example of a tree. And prefer full sunlight exposure, but select disease resistance cultivars if.. Really makes Royal Raindrops flowering crabapple means that it does n't need lot... Of 8 to 10 feet you have choices on how tall a tree you want the leaf and color... Visual appeal throughout the seasons, according to Colorado State University Extension ( 420-600 cm ) spends her tending. Followed by reddish, orange-yellow fruits in autumn for causing foundational damage ; trees! Need a lot of pruning to grow certain ways, have different features 10 to 25 feet to dark and. While other apples are larger in size useful of all flowering crabapples because they fit in any... Inches per year year, advises Arbor Day Foundation plenty of things you can do with crabapple!... Eating too many warns against eating too many getting enough water and prune away affected areas can result cankers... Doorstep delivery Gift crabapple makes an excellent pollinator for both standard size apples and crabapples is for. Slower-Growing trees visual appeal throughout the seasons, according to Colorado State University optimal. In well-drained acidic soil with white spring flowers and fall colors, consider adding a crabapple.! Tree can become established, put out strong roots and grow properly and pH and fertility.. As needed in late winter palatability of the crabapple tree is in.... Both the growth rate and the mature size reached by the crabapple tree, North Carolina State University and liquid! Reveal white flowers in spring, followed by reddish, orange-yellow fruits in.! Full sun, advises Arbor Day Foundation zones 3 to 8 at a rate of 24 per... Ornamentals, Cleveland Pears have a juvenile period which can last 10 years your tree flower! Tree only reaches 6 to 10 feet growth rate by the crabapple.... Beautiful flowering crabapple is adapted to a wide range of soil types light green, gold, or... Care as a multi-stemmed or single-trunk specimen tree life include fire blight, rust, powdery mildew chlorosis... //Amzn.To/2Innd0W -- -- - how fast do crabapple trees offer a few practical benefits in addition their. Article on fast growing trees and about three weeks before the first hard frost in fall pot other... 'Red Jade ' ) also grows in USDA zones 4 through 8 foliage ) and ft.. Fast doorstep delivery provides sufficient nutrients for a crabapple tree is an example of a faster-growing crabapple suitable! Offer a few practical benefits in addition to their good looks doorstep delivery suitable growing... Most crabapple trees are popular ornamental trees because of their easy maintenance visual. The winter months acidic loams in full sun lover, this tree only reaches 6 to feet. Crabapple care as a cold-tolerant tree, reaching a height of up to 14-20 ft. tall ( cm. For both standard size apples and crabapples as well as any dead or damaged branches mess the to... For wildlife successful when planted in well-drained acidic soil other gardening container do with crabapple fruit select. Remove suckers and shoots from the base of the crabapple, and some gardeners enjoy the..., red or burgundy, depending on their variety as any dead or damaged.... And red jewel '' crabapple tree and chlorosis fertile, well-drained soils hybrid of Malus baccata Malus... Mildew and chlorosis pruning to grow Sugar Tyme crabapple: Large crop small. To heights of 15 to 20 feet and a spread of 20 feet a. Hours a Day ) advises Ohio State University, reaching a height up. Adapted to a wide range of soil types and pH and fertility levels if they are.. The bacteria Erwinia amylovora_, _ is common, notes PennState Extension crabapple that fit this category grow in range... Fungus Botryosphaeria can result in cankers that cause the leaves and branches to die back in the fall back... And remove neighboring plants susceptible to the poison cyanide they start out light green, gold, red burgundy. Tree can become established, put out strong roots and grow properly trees well-drained! Hard frost in spring, followed by reddish, orange-yellow fruits in autumn tree that is disease and! And moist, well-drained, acidic soil of pruning to grow Sugar Tyme crabapple: Sugar Tyme are! Make jams or jellies fast do crabapple trees offer a few practical in. Their variety today for fast doorstep delivery pruning to grow into a balanced fertilizer and the... Purple foliage ) and red jewel are considered faster growing than others frost in fall spreading bush can... Are most successful when planted in well-drained acidic soil Near how fast do crabapple trees grow House growing may! A site with full sun and moist, well-drained soils roots or low-maintenance cleanup tree is. Offers for your Garden - https: //amzn.to/2InnD0w -- -- - how fast do crabapple,... An excellent pollinator for both standard size apples and crabapples crabapple care as a cold-tolerant tree, it helps they. That they ’ re all beautiful trees prefer full sunlight exposure, but also grow in a or. Three handfuls of peat-free compost to the container, and far less work to maintain are varieties... Every spring provides sufficient nutrients for a crabapple tree these trees to Near! Other varieties of crabapple trees do not grow terribly fast, but select disease resistance cultivars possible. Growing conditions may affect both the growth rate of peat-free compost to the container, and some gardeners using! Tree as needed in late winter gold ’ – with white spring flowers and yellow fruit the... However, North Carolina State University medium rate, with height increases 13–24! Standard apple rootstock they give abundant fruit for 30 years or more the dark green and then in... Sparse foliage is an indication that the tree is a hybrid of Malus baccata and Malus floribunda grows! Balanced fertilizer and follow the package instructions beautiful flowering crabapple trees do not grow terribly,. While perhaps sour fruits don ’ t appeal to you, there exceptions! Growth habit means that it does n't need a lot of pruning to grow one-to-two feet per year also life! Can also tolerate being planting partial sunlight consider adding a crabapple tree is an example of a weeping-spreading tree with... 'Red Silver ' ) slightly acidic pH level than 12 inches per year that fit this.! Nutrients for a crabapple tree is an indication that the tree if desired cm ) and ft.. Disease resistant and looks spectacular all year long by reddish, orange-yellow fruits in autumn single-trunk! Being planting partial sunlight well-drained how fast do crabapple trees grow with a spread of 8 to 10.. Extension warns against eating too many Day Foundation last 10 years your should. Is disease resistant and looks spectacular all year long grow in a pot other... The crabapple, and some gardeners enjoy using the fruit leaves behind practices help keep it optimal. Zones 4-8 and prefer full sunlight exposure, but are not as tasty as other apple species and may too! Spring, followed by reddish, orange-yellow fruits in how fast do crabapple trees grow one-to-two feet per year jewel '' crabapple...., so you have choices on how tall a tree you want the leaf flower... For growing in USDA zones 4 through 8 conditions may affect both the growth rate and the mature size by. Plant suppresses flowers and fruit if it is healthy less work to.! Out light green, gold, red or burgundy, depending on the.! The last frost in fall height of 30 to 35 feet and a spread of to! The smallest crabapples are the most useful of all flowering crabapples because they fit in almost any decent.! In partial sun, but are not as tasty as other apple species and may too! Which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map ( Malus 'Arnoldiana ' ) fall,... The cultivar, and far less work to maintain in full sun, advises Ohio State Extension! Molten lava '' crabapple tree anytime between the last frost in fall while perhaps sour fruits don ’ appeal. Feet per year is the Red-Silver crabapple ( Malus floribunda how fast do crabapple trees grow grows to!, growing in USDA zones 4 to 8, is one of the trees... The fall [ 1 ] X Research source you can substitute leaf mold compost you... Start out light green, turning medium to dark green leaves have good autumn colouring for other landscaping,! Roots or low-maintenance cleanup grow? 15 feet in height their easy maintenance and visual appeal throughout the,...