Digging deeperPlant Library

Other Names:  Roseybloom, Crabapple

Description:

A distinctive ornamental shrub which features fragrant white flowers emerging from red buds in spring followed by red fruit in fall, distinctly horizontal branching habit is very attractive; needs well-drained soil and full sun, makes a great accent

Ornamental Features

Sargent's Flowering Crab is covered in stunning clusters of fragrant white flowers along the branches in mid spring, which emerge from distinctive rose flower buds before the leaves. The fruits are showy red pomes carried in abundance from late summer to mid fall. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn yellow in fall.

Landscape Attributes

Sargent's Flowering Crab is a dense deciduous tree with a stunning habit of growth which features almost oriental horizontally-tiered branches. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds and bees to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Sargent's Flowering Crab is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Sargent's Flowering Crab will grow to be about 9 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.

Important Pruning Information

Crabapples should only be pruned when dormant to reduce the risk of spreading bacterial infection. Fireblight can be a problem on crabapples. Please consult our nursery staff for more information on management practices.