April Tree of the Month: Malus
Crabapples (Malus) are a staple in the landscape for a reason. They are beautiful, reliable, and an excellent pollinator and habitat for birds, insects, and animals. They fit comfortably into a wide range of spaces, like streetscapes, parkways, residential yards, municipal plantings. Their size, blooms, and seasonal interest make crabapples an excellent choice for smaller spaces and front yards. From a grower’s perspective, we appreciate their adaptability and the diversity within the genus. From a designer’s perspective, they offer endless opportunities to layer color, texture, and habitat into a planting!
Varieties We Love
Royal Raindrops is a classic: bold, dynamic, and full of personality.
With foliage that emerges purple, this variety adds texture and color even before it blooms. In spring, hot pink flowers layer over that dark foliage, creating a striking contrast. As the season progresses, small red fruit follows, carrying interest into fall and winter.
Red Jewel is known for its bright red fruit!
After a soft white bloom in spring, this tree produces small, glossy red fruit that persists well into winter. Against snow or a gray winter sky, those berries become a focal point, adding color when the landscape needs it most! It’s a favorite for municipalities and designers looking to extend seasonal interest and support wildlife, all while maintaining a clean, classic look.
Firebird is a compact, unique selection with gorgeous blooms.
This cultivar out of Johnson’s Nursery bursts with pink buds and white flowers in the spring before producing red fruits in the fall that hold on through winter. This selection is perfect for tight, small spaces or as the focal point of an ornamental garden.
Spring Snow is all about simplicity and cleanliness.
Covered in bright white blossoms in spring, it delivers that classic crabapple bloom without the follow-up fruit. For folks who love the look of crabapples but prefer a lower-maintenance option, Spring Snow is a go-to. It’s often used in more formal settings, streetscapes, or anywhere a clean finish is important.
Crabapples invite pollinators in spring, offer shade and structure in summer, feed wildlife in fall, and bring quiet interest to winter landscapes. They’re trees that give visually, ecologically, and seasonally. At Spring Grove Nursery, we grow crabapples with intention, selecting varieties that perform well, hold their shape, and offer lasting value to the communities they’re planted in. You can check out the full range of Malus we grow here on our website!
