- According to Barrie Edward Juniper in his book "The Story of the Apple", the first species to be recognized as a "flowering crab" was the Chinese flowering apple (Malus spectabilis). This native Chinese tree can reach heights of 29 feet, bearing an abundance of showy, fragrant whitish-pink blossoms in April and May. These delicate blossoms give way to small, hard yellow apples in autumn.
This ornamental tree is frost-tolerant and is hardy to Growing Zone 4. In its native environment, it inhabits mountainous plains and woodlands. It can thrive in any type of well-drained soil, and should be provided with plenty of moisture. - Another old favorite among the crab apple species is the Japanese crab apple (Malus floribunda). This native Japanese tree reaches a mature height of 15 to 20 feet, with a spread of 20 to 30 feet. Like the Chinese flowering apple, this crab apple blooms in April, creating a dazzling spectacle. First red buds emerge on bare branches, bursting open to display pale pink flowers which blanch to white as they mature. These blossoms give way to deep golden crab apples later in the year.
Japanese crab apple trees prefer loamy, well-drained, acidic soil. A moderate amount of water and full sun should also be provided. These gorgeous trees are hardy in Growing Zones 4 to 8, a regions extending across most of the central and northern United States. - Another beloved old fashioned crab apple is the tea crab apple (Malus hupehensis). This crab apple tree reaches an average height and spread of 20 to 25 feet. Its lovely arching form, as well as its springtime display of fragrant, snow-white flowers, make this tree a favorite landscape ornamental. In the autumn, tea crab apple leaves turn shades of golden yellow before falling to the ground. This season also brings golden to scarlet colored fruit to the tree.
Tea crab apples are hardy in Growing Zones 4 to 8. They thrive in all types of well-drained soil and tolerate drought, yet are highly susceptible to fire blight. - The Sargent crab apple (Malus sargentii) is a diminutive crab apple species indigenous to Japan. This crab apple grows to heights of 6 to 8 feet, with spread of up to 15 feet. In April it bears light pink buds unfurling to white blossoms. In autumn, tiny, round, cheery, bright-red, sour apples appear.
This adorable tree loves acidic, loamy, well-drained soil and full sun. It is hardy from Growing Zone 4 to Zone 7.
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