Malus floribunda
Japanese Flowering Crabapple

Family:

Rosaceae (Rose Family) 211

Genus:

Malus (Apple, Crabapple, Flowering Crabapple) 75

Plant Type:

Tree 569

Growth Forms:

Upright 573

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 520

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 839

Flower Notes:

Pink;white (Buds are dark pink to red; flowers (1-1.5" across) white, fragrant, and in clusters; late April to May)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Dark green leaves; fall color variable)

Fruit Notes:

Yellow;red (3/8" dia. yellow crabapples (pomes) with a red blush; not persistent)

Ultimate Height:

15-25 feet

Ultimate Spread:

15-25 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Well-drained heavy loam soils

Range:

Japan

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Malus has simple leaves 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.

Special Characteristics:

Flowering Characteristics 354

Fragrant Flowers 189

Fruiting Characteristics 116

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. Malus floribunda is an excellent species that has high resistance to Japanese beetles, slight susceptibility to apple scab and powdery mildew, and moderate susceptibility to fireblight. Unlike many flowering crabapples, this species flowers and fruits consistently every year. Well-drained heavy loam soils and full sun promote best growth. May look ragged at the end of the summer.