did you know?

Crabapples belong to the same genus as edible apples ( x ). One of the reasons there are so many crabapple varieties is because crabapples freely pollinate with each other, resulting in numerous hybrids.

general maintenance:

Prune damaged and weak stems or branches, keeping crown open. Most crabapples require little pruning, but when necessary, prune just after flowering because pruning after midsummer will reduce the next season's bloom.

pests/diseases:

Crabapples may be susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. To find cultivars that resist diseases most prevalent in your area, contact your cooperative extension office for a list of recommended varieties. 'Molten Lava' is fairly disease resistant, although fire blight may occur.

controls:

To control fire blight, which overwinters in deadwood, remove all dead branches in fall or early winter, cutting 6 inches below deadwood and sterilizing pruners in bleach solution between cuts. Monitor plant in summer, removing diseased wood as it occurs.

how to sow/plant:

Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil, making sure there is enough room for tree to reach its mature size. In early spring, dig a hole twice as wide as container or root ball. Set plant at same depth or slightly higher than it was in pot, or if balled, level with top of root ball. If plant is balled in synthetic fabric, remove carefully before backfilling. Natural-fiber burlap may be peeled back and left in ground once plant is set in hole. Fill hole around plant with soil. Mound soil to form a 2-inch-high ridge around perimeter of hole to act as a catchbasin. Water thoroughly, filling the basin and allowing water to settle several times. Spread 2-inch layer of mulch around plant.

water and fertilize:

Maintain uniform soil moisture for first season. Be sure the soil is moist before the ground freezes in fall. Each spring before growth begins, apply an all-purpose fertilizer, following label directions. Once tree is established, usually by the third year, water only during drought.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Deciduous
• Disease Resistant
• Fragrant
• Winter Interest

garden uses:

• Edging
• Flowerbed borders (mixed borders)

other uses:

• Cut Flower (cut flowering branches)

combine with:

witch hazel and cornelian cherry for a flowering shrub border in early spring.