Malus × 'Ralph Shay'
Ralph Shay Flowering Crabapple

Malus × ′Ralph Shay′ - Flowering Habit
 Family:
 Genus:
 Plant Type:
 Growth Forms:
 Hardiness:
 Deciduous / Evergreen:
 Flower Notes:
Pink;white (Buds are large and pink; flowers white and in clusters; late April to May)
 Foliage Notes:
Green (Dark green summer foliage; fall color variable)
 Fruit Notes:
Red (Large (up to 1.25" dia.) bright red crabapples (pomes); persistent)
 Ultimate Height:
17-20 feet
 Ultimate Spread:
15-20 feet
 Light Requirements:
 Soil Notes:
Well-drained heavy loam soils
 Range:
Cultivated origin
 Diagnostic Characteristics:
Simple, elliptical leaves (up to 3" long) in clusters on short spurs. Buds have several imbricate scales and are usually reddish-brown with hairs protruding under scales. Fruits have multiple seeds (as compared to the single seed pit of Prunus species). The bark of mature trees is gray to brown and scaly.
Purdue Plant Doctor
Parts and Problems of Crabapple, Crabtree
  Special Characteristics:
  • Food/Edible 88
  • Fragrant Flowers 190
  • Groupings 211
  • Patio Tree 129
  • Specimen 630

    • Additional Information

    The Flowering Crabapple is a popular small ornamental tree with an extremely showy flower display in the spring. This vigorous cultivar is named in honor of Purdue University plant physiologist Ralph Shay (1918-1981) who was head of the Department of Botany & Plant Pathology from 1954-1966. This tree has attractive white flowers followed by exceptionally large, long persisting, bright red fruits that can be used in jellies or preserves. 'Ralph Shay' has slight susceptibility to apple scab, fair to good resistance to fireblight and cedar-apple rust, and excellent resistance to powdery mildew. Tends to flower and fruit in alternate years. Well-drained heavy loam soils and full sun promote best growth.

    When Malus × 'Ralph Shay' has been observed flowering or fruiting at Purdue University

    Flowering

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    No Fruiting Observations Available

    1 Malus × 'Ralph Shay' found

    Building Map...

    = Heritage plant = Memorial plant
    Number Accession ID Location
    1ORIG_0811*ALILY

    Other plants like this Malus × 'Ralph Shay' (Ralph Shay Flowering Crabapple)

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