A flexible flowering fruit tree to consider….
Many gardeners enjoy the fruit of some varieties in addition to the flowers. You can make jams and jellies from the fruit of some varieties.
The south is blessed with a climate that allows us to grow many flowering and fruiting plants. Among the most favored are the crabapples which produce clouds of pink and white flowers in early spring.

Varieties such as the Southern and Japanese Crabapples start out with pinkish-red buds and flowers fading to a pure white. Depending upon variety or species, the trees may grow from 6 feet up to 30 feet in height and spread.

Prefer full sun

Crabapples grow and flower best in full sun but will succeed in light shade such as that in sparsely branched pines. When visiting nurseries or studying catalogues look at varieties such as Radiant, Hope, Red Jade, Eleyi, Callaway, Snowdrift, and Sargents. Most any of these can be a real asset to your landscape provided sunlight and space allow their use.

Soil preferences

Crabapples will grow in a wide range of soils from fertile to poor. The best growth and flowering are achieved in a good well drained soil containing plenty of humus or organic matter. Hard packed, poorly drained clay soils can be improved to successfully grow crabapples.

Planting procedures

In planting always dig a large hole, two to three times the size of the root ball or container. In setting the young trees make sure it is no deeper than it grew in the nursery. To help funnel water from rains or your garden hose make a 3 – 4 inch ring of soil 12 – 15 inches away from the trunk. Use a 3 inch mulch of pine straw, leaves or pine bark to help maintain a more uniform soil temperature and moisture level as well as reduce weed problems. Water thoroughly after planting and water each week particularly during dry, hot weather.

The best transplanting period runs from November through March. Container grown trees can be planted any time provided you will be able to water. At planting, prune one third of the branches and shoots. Do not prune out the main leader until growth begins and the form or pattern of growth is determined.

Many gardeners enjoy the fruit of some varieties in addition to the flowers. You can make jams and jellies from the fruit of some varieties.