As the soft pink hues of cherry blossoms start to flood our Instagram feeds this spring, there’s a new contender in town that could steal the spotlight. The crab apple tree, long appreciated by seasoned gardeners and nature lovers, is ready for its close-up. According to garden and horticulture expert Andrew Stark, these vibrant trees are not only visually striking but also offer far more versatility than the ever-popular cherry blossom.
Why Crab Apple’s trump Cherry Blossoms?
Crab apple trees, scientifically known as Malus species, are small deciduous trees that range in height from 3 to 6 metres. They’re perfect for gardens of all sizes and even pots, whether you’re looking for a single feature tree, a stunning pleached hedge (hedge on stilts), or a flowering avenue to line your driveway. The trees boast a profusion of blossoms in mid-October, and unlike cherry blossoms, crab apple flowers last longer and put on a show that extends through several seasons.
The real beauty is that it’s not a one-season wonder. In spring, the tree bursts into bloom with flowers ranging from pure white and blush pink to deep pink and red. The flowers, some of which are sweetly perfumed, appear on bare branches before the tree’s spring leaves, creating a spectacular display that heralds the changing seasons.
But the crab apple doesn’t stop there. As summer approaches, the tree produces small fruit that look like miniature apples. These fruits are not only decorative, offering a range of colours from yellow to vermillion, but they can also be harvested to make homemade crab apple jelly. By autumn, the tree becomes a painter’s palette, with leaves turning shades of yellow, scarlet, and purple, ensuring that your garden remains full of colour long after the cherry blossoms have faded.
Longer-Lasting Blooms
One of the most compelling reasons to plant a crab apple tree over a cherry blossom is the extended bloom time. Cherry blossoms are notorious for their fleeting nature, with peak bloom often lasting just one to two weeks. Crab apples, on the other hand, bloom from September to October, offering weeks of colourful, Instagram-worthy moments. Andrew Stark explains, “Not only do crab apples bloom longer, but their fruit can last throughout autumn, adding both visual and edible interest to your garden.”
Perfect for Most Gardens
Whether you have a small urban garden or a sprawling rural property, there’s a crab apple tree to suit your needs. Several dwarf cultivars, such as Malus x cinzam ‘Cinderella’, are ideal for small spaces and can even be grown in large pots.
Crab apple trees are incredibly low maintenance, making them perfect for busy garden lovers or beginner gardeners. They tolerate most soil types (except very heavy clay) and can thrive in sunny or semi-shaded spots. Once established, they require minimal watering, with only occasional deep watering needed in summer or early autumn. A winter trim of long branches and deadwood is all you need to keep the tree in tip-top shape.
How to plant and maintain
Crab apple trees are a low-maintenance choice, but a little care goes a long way. Stark advises that planting in an open, sunny or semi-shaded spot will help your tree thrive. They are adaptable to most soil types, but avoid planting them in very heavy clay or areas where water tends to pool around the roots.
To keep your tree looking its best, water it weekly for the first few weeks after planting, then gradually reduce the watering schedule as the tree becomes established. In terms of pruning, a winter trim of long branches is recommended to encourage bushy growth. If you’re growing your crab apple as a hedge or pleached tree, trim the sides and top in winter, late spring, and mid-summer to maintain its shape.
With minimal effort, crab apple trees will reward you with breathtaking blooms, delicious fruit, and a stunning seasonal display that will make your garden the envy of your neighbourhood.
So, this spring, as you plan your garden, consider trading cherry blossoms for a crab apple. With its longer-lasting flowers, edible fruit, and ecological benefits, the crab apple is quickly becoming the new must-have tree for garden lovers and Instagram influencers alike.
About the author:
Andrew Stark is a renowned figure in the horticultural world, celebrated for his spectacular garden designs, extensive horticultural knowledge, and highly specialised skills. With a career spanning over three decades, Andrew has made significant contributions to horticulture, earning recognition and acclaim both in Australia and internationally. As a frequent media commentator and with an Instagram following of over 146K, Andrew’s passion for gardening has made him a well-known identity in the industry.
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