Malus spectabilis, commonly known as the Chinese flowering crabapple, is a distinguished member of the Rosaceae family and the Malus genus. As one of China’s traditional famous flowers, it holds a unique place in the country’s horticultural heritage.
The Chinese flowering crabapple is a deciduous tree or large shrub, capable of reaching heights up to 8 meters. It boasts an erect trunk supporting a broad, ovate crown. The bark is characteristically smooth with a grey-brown coloration. The flowers are notable for their five obovate petals and yellow anthers, while the fruits are spherical, yellow-green, and fleshy at the apex.
Revered for its elegant floral display and abundant blooms, the Chinese flowering crabapple has been admired since ancient times. It has earned poetic epithets such as “divine flower,” “flower empress,” and “noble flower,” culminating in its reputation as a “national beauty.” In royal gardens, it is often planted alongside magnolias, peonies, and osmanthus, creating an atmosphere of opulence and dignity.
The Chinese flowering crabapple is characterized by stout, cylindrical small branches that are initially covered with short, soft hairs. As they mature, these hairs fall off, revealing a reddish-brown or purplish-brown, smooth surface. The leaves are oval to elongated, measuring 5-8 cm in length and 2-3 cm in width. The leaf margins feature closely set, fine serrations, occasionally approaching an entire margin near the base.
Young leaves exhibit sparse, short, soft hairs on both surfaces, which shed as the leaves mature. The inflorescence is nearly umbellate, comprising 4-6 flowers, each measuring 4-5 cm in diameter. The calyx tube may be glabrous or covered with white, fluffy hairs externally.
The sepals are triangular-ovate with acute tips and entire margins. The petals are ovate, 2-2.5 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide, with a short claw at the base. They are white in full bloom but display a pink hue in bud stage.
The fruits are nearly spherical, approximately 2 cm in diameter, and yellow when ripe. The fruiting period typically occurs from August to September.
This species naturally occurs on plains and mountains at elevations ranging from 50 to 2,000 meters, but it can also be cultivated in various settings. Many crabapple varieties are widely used in urban landscaping and beautification projects. They are renowned ornamental plants and significant temperate flowering trees, native to China.
The Chinese flowering crabapple boasts a rich diversity of cultivars, each with unique characteristics. Some notable varieties include:
Named for its pendulous branches, the weeping crabapple typically grows to about 5 meters in height with a broad crown. Its elliptical or ovoid leaves cluster at branch tips. The flowers are pink, and fruits ripen late, usually between September and October.
This variety features a robust root system and ovate to broadly ovate leaves with oblique bases, displaying red or purplish-red coloration. The flowers grow in corymbs and can be monoecious or dioecious, ranging from red to pink or purplish-red. Petals may be single or double.
Named after its origin in the Xifu area during the Jin dynasty, this variety produces corymb-like flower clusters at branch tips. The buds are red, and flowers can be single or double, in light red or white hues. Flowering occurs from March to April, followed by spherical, red fruits.
With over a hundred cultivars, Papaya Flowering Crabapples offer diverse ornamental appeal in both flowers and fruits. Spring brings a profusion of radiant blossoms, while autumn showcases golden fruits with a sweet aroma, making them exceptional ornamental trees.
Characterized by short, stout, or nearly absent flower stalks, this variety has ovate or elliptic leaves and cluster-blooming flowers in pink, carmine, or white. Flowering occurs from March to May, either before or simultaneously with leaf emergence. Fruits are oval or spherical, red or yellow-green, and fragrant.
This variety is named for its ground-hugging growth habit. Its flowers resemble those of the Adpressed-stalk variety but are less dense. Branches grow obliquely or creep along the ground. Flowers are red or orange-red, blooming mainly from March to April, with sporadic flowering in summer and autumn. Fruits are oval or spherical and purple with a red blush.
Also known as the Multicolored Flowering Crabapple, this cultivar is prized for its diverse flower colors on a single plant, including red, pink, purple, and white. Leaves also exhibit varied hues of green, purple, red, and yellow-orange, especially vibrant in autumn. Fruits are small and elegant in red and yellow-orange shades.
Also known as Huailai Crabapple or Sea Red, this variety belongs to the Xifu Crabapple species. It’s a historically significant fruit tree in China, valued for its slender, even branches that form an aesthetically pleasing shape, making it ideal for landscape beautification.
Similar to the Adpressed-stalk variety but with thinner leaves, this crabapple grows in clumps with numerous branches featuring wart-like structures and fine thorns. Flowers can be dark red or pink, growing in tight clusters close to the branches, creating a spectacular display when in full bloom.
This variety is distinctive for its foliage rather than its flowers. The yellow-green leaves feature a reddish-brown cross pattern, creating a unique ornamental effect. It’s particularly valued among autumn crabapples and is well-suited for decorating interior spaces.
Crabapples thrive in full sunlight, have low shade tolerance, and are averse to excessive moisture. They exhibit remarkable hardiness, adapting well to severe cold and drought conditions. Generally, crabapples can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). While they can be grown outdoors year-round in many regions, protective measures may be necessary during exceptionally cold periods.
Optimal growth requires a well-lit environment. Prolonged exposure to shade will result in poor development, emphasizing the importance of adequate sunlight for these trees.
Native to China, crabapples are widely cultivated throughout the country and are highly regarded as ornamental trees. Their cultivation has spread globally, with significant presence in temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Crabapples are small deciduous trees, typically reaching heights of up to 8 meters (26 feet). Their sturdy, cylindrical twigs are initially covered with short, downy hairs that shed as the twigs mature, revealing a reddish-brown or purplish-brown bark. Winter buds are ovate, tapering to a point, minutely downy, purplish-brown, with several exposed scales.
Leaves are elliptic to oblong, 5-10 cm long, with short, tapering or rounded tips and wide wedge-shaped or nearly round bases. Leaf margins feature closely-set fine serrations, occasionally appearing almost entire. Young leaves have sparse, short downy hairs that fall off as they mature. Leaf stalks (petioles) are 1.5-3 cm long and pubescent. Stipules are membranous, narrow-lanceolate, entire, and hirsute on the inner surface.
Flowers are arranged in near-umbel inflorescences, comprising 5-8 pubescent flowers. Each flower is 4-5 cm in diameter. The calyx tube may be glabrous or covered in white woolly hairs. Calyx lobes are triangular-ovate, 3 mm long, with dense white woolly hairs on the inside.
Petals are ovate with a short basal claw, white when fully open but pink in bud. There are typically 20-25 (occasionally up to 30) stamens with varying filament lengths. The flower usually contains 5 pistils (rarely 4), which are slightly longer than the stamens and have white woolly hairs at the base.
The fruit is nearly spherical, yellow, 2-4 cm in diameter, with persistent calyx lobes. The fruit stalk is slender with a swollen tip. Flowering occurs from April to May, with fruiting from August to September.
Soil Selection
Crabapples require well-draining, fertile soil. For container growing, use a mixture of 70% leaf mold, 30% river sand, and a small amount of organic fertilizer. Alternatively, combine 40% leaf mold, 30% peat, and 30% river sand for optimal drainage and aeration.
Watering
While drought-tolerant, crabapples cannot withstand waterlogging. Maintain consistently moist but not saturated soil. For potted trees, especially those in elevated locations, monitor soil moisture closely to prevent both over-watering and under-watering.
Fertilizing
For in-ground trees, apply a base fertilizer at planting time and supplement with organic fertilizer annually after flowering. In autumn, apply a phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizer to promote flower bud differentiation.
For container-grown crabapples, apply a diluted (1:10 or 1:12) organic liquid fertilizer weekly before spring flowering. After blooming, increase the concentration to 1:6 or 1:8, applying every 10-15 days. Cease fertilization in mid-summer, resuming in autumn with a phosphorus and potassium-rich formula.
Light and Temperature
While primarily spring-blooming, crabapples can be induced to bloom again in autumn through careful light and temperature management. In mid-July, move potted trees to a cool, rain-protected area with reduced light intensity (about 40%) to initiate this process.
Pruning and Shaping
Prune crabapples in late winter or early spring before bud break. Remove dead, diseased, or weak branches to maintain an open, well-ventilated canopy. Shorten excessively long branches to promote vigorous flowering. Avoid pruning fruiting and middle branches. Pinch growing tips during the active growth period to control vegetative growth, especially for bonsai specimens.
Regular monitoring for signs of stress or disease is crucial for maintaining healthy crabapple trees. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Water thoroughly in early spring, combining with fertilization. Provide additional water during fruiting if drought occurs. Monitor for pests such as aphids and beetles, and diseases like fire blight. Preventative spraying with lime sulfur in early spring is recommended.
For container-grown crabapples, apply fertilizer in small, frequent doses to avoid root damage. Excessive fertilization can lead to leaf drop and plant death.
Ensure good air circulation around the tree to prevent fungal diseases. Mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.
In regions with harsh winters, consider wrapping young trees or those in exposed locations to protect against winter damage.
Crabapples can be propagated through various methods, including seeding, division, grafting, and layering. Among these, grafting is the most commonly used technique for commercial production. Seeding is primarily reserved for breeding purposes and rootstock cultivation due to the slow growth and potential genetic variations in seedlings.
Grafting is the preferred method for reproducing horticultural varieties, utilizing rootstocks such as crabapple loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) or mountain hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). These rootstocks are chosen for their tolerance to diverse growing conditions and wide adaptability. Both branch grafting (including cleft and whip grafting) and bud grafting (typically using the T-budding method) are effective techniques.
The timing of propagation methods is crucial:
For seed propagation, a period of cold stratification (30-100 days at low temperatures) is necessary to break dormancy and stimulate germination. This process mimics natural winter conditions and improves germination rates.
Cultivation practices for crabapples include:
While crabapples are typically grown in-ground, they can also be cultivated as bonsai specimens in containers. The optimal planting time is either before bud break in early spring or after leaf fall in early winter. When transplanting, preserving an intact root system is crucial for successful establishment.
Crabapples are highly valued in horticulture for their ornamental qualities, particularly their vibrant spring blossoms and attractive fruit. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, crabapples offer various practical uses:
It’s important to note that while crabapples have been used in traditional medicine, any medicinal use should be approached with caution and under professional guidance. The specific nutritional and potential health benefits can vary significantly between crabapple varieties and depending on growing conditions.
Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.
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