{"title":"Crabapples","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrabapples are small trees that perform in every season. Spring brings a cloud of blossom in white, pink or deep magenta, summer a neat leafy canopy that is purple in some varieties, autumn small glossy fruit and warm leaf colour, and winter a fine branch outline. Most stay between 4m and 6m, which suits suburban gardens. This range covers spreading, upright and columnar forms. Every tree is delivered Australia wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to choose a crabapple\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStart with shape, then flower colour. The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/japanese-flowering-crabapple-malus-floribunda\"\u003eJapanese crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e (\u003cem\u003eMalus floribunda\u003c\/em\u003e) is the classic spreading form, about 5m tall and wide, with crimson buds that open pale pink and fade to white. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crab-apple-royal-raindrops-malus-royal-raindrops-jfs-kw5\"\u003eRoyal Raindrops\u003c\/a\u003e has magenta flowers, cut purple leaves and small red fruit, on an upright tree to 6m. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/crab-apple-raspberry-spear-malus-raspberry-spear-jfs-kw213mx\"\u003eRaspberry Spear\u003c\/a\u003e is the narrow one: 5m tall but only 1.5m wide, made for driveways and side boundaries. Showtime and Crimson Knight are compact at about 4m with strong pink to red flowers. Plena carries large double pink flowers with a violet scent, and Malus trilobata is a taller, upright tree to 8m with white flowers and reliable autumn colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere crabapples work\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrabapples need a winter chill, so they are at their best in temperate and cool climates: Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Tasmania, the tablelands and the cooler parts of Sydney and Perth. They take frost easily and grow in most soils with reasonable drainage, including clay. Plant them in full sun as a lawn specimen, a pair at a gate or a row along a drive. They are a natural choice among \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/flowering-trees\"\u003eflowering trees\u003c\/a\u003e and one of the best \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/small-trees-for-urban-gardens\"\u003esmall trees for urban gardens\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting and spacing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGive spreading forms 4m to 5m between trees and keep them 3m from buildings. Raspberry Spear can be planted 1.5m to 2m apart for an avenue or screen. Plant in winter while the tree is bare if you can. Dig a wide hole, set the root ball level with the soil, stake for the first year and water deeply once a week through the first two summers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare basics\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrabapples need little pruning: in winter, remove crossing or damaged branches and any shoots from below the graft. Feed in early spring with a complete fertiliser and keep a mulched circle clear of grass around the trunk. Water in dry summers while the tree is young. Like our other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/deciduous-trees\"\u003edeciduous trees\u003c\/a\u003e, they give summer shade and let winter sun through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow big do crabapple trees grow?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost reach 4m to 6m tall. Spreading types grow as wide as they are tall, while columnar forms such as Raspberry Spear stay under 2m wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen do crabapples flower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn spring, usually September and October, for two to three weeks, followed by fruit that colours in autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan you eat crabapples?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit of ornamental crabapples is small and sour. It is mostly left on the tree for display and for birds, though it can be cooked into jelly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo crabapples grow in warm climates?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey flower best where winters are cold. In subtropical areas flowering is light and unreliable.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"japanese-flowering-crabapple-malus-floribunda","title":"Japanese Flowering Crabapple - Malus floribunda","description":"\u003cp\u003eJapanese Flowering Crabapple (\u003cem\u003eMalus floribunda\u003c\/em\u003e) is the blossom tree for gardens that want a proper spring display without a forest sized tree. It reaches about 5m tall and 5m wide, and each spring deep pink buds open to white flowers along every branch. The roots are non-invasive, which is rare in a tree of this spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo flower colours at once.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep pink buds open white, so the tree carries both shades through the peak of the display.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoots that stay out of trouble.\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-invasive, so it can sit near paths, driveways and services where a larger shade tree could not.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIt feeds bees and birds.\u003c\/strong\u003e Blossom brings the bees in spring, and small yellow crabapples follow in autumn for the birds to work through.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter sun, summer shade.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deciduous, so it shades a seat or a window in summer and lets the light back over winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature planting.\u003c\/strong\u003e A single tree in a front lawn or courtyard is the classic use. At 5m by 5m it reads as a proper tree while still fitting a suburban block.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDriveways and avenues.\u003c\/strong\u003e For a row, allow 5m to 6m between trees so each canopy develops its full rounded shape rather than growing into its neighbour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmall gardens and shade.\u003c\/strong\u003e The spreading canopy casts useful summer shade over a patio without the bulk of a eucalypt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Japanese Flowering Crabapple in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun, which is what drives heavy flowering. This is a cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean tree, and it is frost hardy. It needs winter chill to flower properly, so subtropical and tropical gardens are not suitable ground, and the display thins in the warmest temperate districts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Well drained soil with compost worked through the bed. It is not fussy about type but resents waterlogging, so raise the planting area on heavy clay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep soak weekly through the first two summers, then taper off as it becomes drought tolerant. Feed a complete slow release fertiliser in early spring, and mulch 75mm deep clear of the trunk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune in winter while the tree is bare and dormant. Take out crossing branches and water shoots, and keep the centre open so light reaches the inner wood where next spring's flowers form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is grown in four sizes: 300mm and 400mm pots, 45L and 100L. The 300mm and 400mm plants are young trees with a clear leader and usually flower within a season or two. The 45L and 100L are advanced stock, and the 100L gives a tree with presence on day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDelivered between autumn and late winter it arrives bare of leaves, which is normal for a deciduous tree, not a fault. Trees are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrowse the wider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/flowering-trees\"\u003eflowering tree range\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompare other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/deciduous-trees\"\u003edeciduous trees\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSee trees with \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/non-invasive-root-trees\"\u003enon-invasive roots\u003c\/a\u003e for tight blocks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead our guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/feature-trees-that-instantly-elevate-a-front-yard\"\u003echoosing a feature tree\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I eat the fruit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe small yellow crabapples are edible but sharp raw. They make excellent jelly, and if you leave them the birds clear the tree for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it flower in a warm climate?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly where there is real winter chill. Cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens get the full display, warm temperate gardens a lighter one, and subtropical gardens should choose a different blossom tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow close to the house can I plant it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe roots are non-invasive, so about 3m from a wall is comfortable and gives the 5m canopy room to spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it need another tree to fruit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It sets fruit readily on its own, and the crabapples are an ornamental bonus rather than the reason to plant it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"300mm","offer_id":54140131934527,"sku":null,"price":188.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400mm","offer_id":54140131901759,"sku":null,"price":336.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"25L (Backorder)","offer_id":55100374319423,"sku":null,"price":132.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"45L","offer_id":44965516476735,"sku":"QLD","price":393.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"75L","offer_id":55100374286655,"sku":null,"price":660.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100L","offer_id":51649718223167,"sku":"QLD","price":843.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200L","offer_id":55100374188351,"sku":null,"price":1512.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300L","offer_id":55100374221119,"sku":null,"price":2186.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/Japanese-Flowering-Crabapple-Malus-floribunda.jpg?v=1741858582"},{"product_id":"showtime-crabapple-malus-shotizam-showtime","title":"Showtime Crabapple - Malus 'Shotizam Showtime'","description":"\u003cp\u003eShowtime Crabapple (\u003cem\u003eMalus\u003c\/em\u003e 'Shotizam' Showtime) is a small deciduous tree for gardens without room to spare. It settles at around 4m tall and 3m wide, and covers itself each spring in deep magenta pink blossom over burgundy tinted foliage. Small red fruit follows and holds on the bare branches through autumn, which is when the birds find it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlossom before the garden wakes.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep magenta pink flowers cover the canopy in early spring, when most beds are still bare.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage with colour in it.\u003c\/strong\u003e New growth carries a burgundy tint rather than plain green, and the leaves turn again before dropping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoots that stay out of trouble.\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-invasive, so it can sit near a driveway, path or boundary without lifting them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGenuinely tough.\u003c\/strong\u003e Frost hardy, wind tolerant, content in poor soil and drought tolerant once the roots are down.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIt feeds the garden.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bees work the blossom and birds take the fruit, which is edible for people too, though tart enough that most cooks turn it into jelly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature planting.\u003c\/strong\u003e At 4m by 3m it is the right scale for a single specimen in a front garden or courtyard, where the spring flowering can be seen from the house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmall gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e A real tree without the shade and root spread of a large one. Allow about 2m from a wall or fence so the canopy rounds out evenly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDriveways and avenues.\u003c\/strong\u003e For a matched row, space plants about 4m apart, slightly wider than the mature canopy, so each tree keeps its own shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Showtime Crabapple in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun, because shade costs both flowers and autumn colour. This is a tree for cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. It needs winter chill to flower properly, so subtropical and tropical gardens will not get the display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e It copes with poor ground but not waterlogging. Dig wide rather than deep, work compost through the backfill, and on heavy clay plant on a raised mound. Mulch 75mm deep, clear of the trunk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep soak once or twice a week through the first two summers, then step back as it becomes drought tolerant. A complete slow release fertiliser in late winter does more for flowering than anything applied later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Little is needed. Prune in winter while the tree is bare: take out crossing or inward growing branches, then shorten anything spoiling the rounded shape. Heavy summer pruning costs the next spring's flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is grown in a single size, a 300mm pot, and arrives as a young tree with a formed leader and the beginnings of a branch framework. Expect roughly 30 to 50cm of growth a year, and a proper flowering display from the second or third spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing deciduous, a tree despatched in winter arrives bare or close to it. That is normal, and winter is the easiest time for a deciduous tree to travel. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/evergreen-vs-deciduous-trees-australia-guide\"\u003eChoosing between evergreen and deciduous trees\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ornamental-trees\"\u003eBrowse the full ornamental tree range\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/autumn-colour-plants\"\u003ePlants that colour up in autumn\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-small-gardens\"\u003eTrees scaled for small gardens\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow big does it actually get?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 4m tall and 3m wide at maturity, which puts it in the small tree bracket. It takes several years to get there, and light winter pruning holds it tighter if space is short.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I eat the fruit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, the small red crabapples are edible, but tart and firm rather than something to eat off the tree. Most people cook them into jelly, and the birds deal with what is left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it flower in a warm climate?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt flowers reliably in cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, where it gets enough winter chill. In subtropical and tropical gardens the display is unreliable, so choose a tree suited to those zones instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"250mm (Pack of 3)","offer_id":55100374417727,"sku":null,"price":291.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300mm","offer_id":44965523194175,"sku":"QLD","price":161.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"330mm (Backorder)","offer_id":55100374450495,"sku":null,"price":231.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/Showtime-Crabapple-Malus-Shotizam-Showtime.jpg?v=1741858583"},{"product_id":"crab-apple-raspberry-spear-malus-raspberry-spear-jfs-kw213mx","title":"Crab Apple ‘Raspberry Spear’ - Malus ‘Raspberry Spear’™ (JFS-KW213MX)","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrab Apple 'Raspberry Spear' (\u003cem\u003eMalus\u003c\/em\u003e 'Raspberry Spear') solves the problem of a narrow bed that still needs height. It reaches about 5m tall and holds to roughly 1.5m wide, growing as an upright column. Pink to red blossom opens in spring, the new foliage comes through purple red, and small dark fruit follows before the leaves colour and fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight without width.\u003c\/strong\u003e At 5m by 1.5m it screens a first floor window from a bed barely wider than a path.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSomething happening most of the year.\u003c\/strong\u003e Blossom, then purple red new growth, then dark fruit, then autumn colour before it goes bare.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoots that behave.\u003c\/strong\u003e The root system is non-invasive, so it can sit close to paving, a driveway edge or a service line.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCold and dry are fine.\u003c\/strong\u003e Frost hardy, wind tolerant and drought tolerant once it is established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScreening and privacy.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 1.5m apart for a narrow screen. At that spacing the columns touch and read as a single wall in summer, and let winter light through once the leaves drop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDriveways and avenues.\u003c\/strong\u003e Stretch the spacing to 2.5m if you want each tree read as its own shape. The narrow form keeps branches out of car doors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmall gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e It takes up the ground space of a large shrub but delivers the height of a tree, which is the trade most courtyards need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Crab Apple 'Raspberry Spear' in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun, and a genuine winter. This is a tree for cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and it needs winter chill to flower well. In subtropical and tropical gardens it grows but blossoms poorly, so it is the wrong choice there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Not fussy about type provided water moves through. Dig compost through the backfill, and mulch 75mm deep, kept clear of the trunk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep soak weekly through the first two summers, then only in extended dry spells. Feed a complete fertiliser in late winter, just before bud burst.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e The columnar habit does the work for you. Prune only when dormant in winter, taking out any branch that breaks the line plus dead or crossing wood. Hard summer pruning costs you next spring's flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is supplied in one size, 45L, an advanced tree with a formed trunk and its column already established. Because it is deciduous, a tree arriving in winter may be bare or barely budded. That is dormancy, not a dead plant, and winter is the best time to plant it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect the first season to go into roots rather than height, then a moderate rate after that. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSee the \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/best-trees-for-lining-driveways-in-australia-top-choices\"\u003ebest trees for lining driveways\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompare other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/tall-narrow-screening-plants\"\u003etall and narrow screening plants\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrowse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/deciduous-trees\"\u003edeciduous trees\u003c\/a\u003e range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFind companions in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/autumn-colour-plants\"\u003eautumn colour plants\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow far apart should I plant it for a screen?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.5m apart in a single row. Closer and the columns compete for light and thin at the base; wider leaves gaps you will not close later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it flower in a warm climate?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot reliably. It needs winter chill to set a good bud, so cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens get the display. In subtropical gardens expect foliage and little blossom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I plant it near a driveway or paving?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, this is one of its strengths. The roots are non-invasive, so it does not lift paving the way a larger shade tree does. Leave a metre of clearance as good practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it lose its leaves in winter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, it is fully deciduous. The leaves colour in autumn and fall, leaving a bare upright frame through winter, then blossom arrives before the new foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"45L (Backorder)","offer_id":51648100204863,"sku":"QLD","price":338.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/Crab-Apple-Raspberry-Spear-Malus-Raspberry-Spear-JFS-KW213MX.jpg?v=1766224358"},{"product_id":"crab-apple-royal-raindrops-malus-royal-raindrops-jfs-kw5","title":"Crab Apple ‘Royal Raindrops’ - Malus ‘Royal Raindrops’™ (JFS-KW5)","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrab Apple 'Royal Raindrops' (\u003cem\u003eMalus\u003c\/em\u003e 'Royal Raindrops') is the deciduous feature tree that keeps working long after the flowers finish. It reaches about 6m tall and 4m wide, opens magenta pink flowers along every branch in spring, then holds deeply cut purple foliage through summer. Small red fruit hangs on the bare branches into winter, so there is only a short window each year when the tree has nothing to show.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour seasons from one tree.\u003c\/strong\u003e Magenta spring flowers, purple summer foliage, bronze autumn colour, then red fruit on bare wood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage that carries the summer.\u003c\/strong\u003e The finely cut leaves hold their purple far better than older crab apples, which green off in the heat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSized for a real garden, and tough.\u003c\/strong\u003e About 6m by 4m, with non-invasive roots, frost hardiness and real drought tolerance once established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBirds and pollinators use it.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bees work the blossom, and the fruit feeds birds through the leanest months.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDriveways and avenues.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 5m to 6m apart in a row. That spacing lets each canopy develop its own shape while the line still reads as a matched avenue from the road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature planting.\u003c\/strong\u003e One tree in lawn is enough. The purple foliage does the work of a mass planting, so keep any underplanting pale and simple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmall gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-invasive roots let it sit closer to paving and services than most trees this size. Allow about 4m of clear width.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Crab Apple 'Royal Raindrops' in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun, and plenty of it: shade thins the canopy and dulls the purple to a muddy bronze. This is a cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean tree, and it needs winter chill to flower well, so it is not a pick for subtropical gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Not fussy about type as long as water moves through. On heavy clay, plant on a raised mound with compost dug through the bed. Mulch 75mm deep, kept clear of the trunk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers, then taper off as the roots go down. A complete slow release fertiliser in early spring is all the feeding it asks for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune in winter while the structure is visible. Remove crossing branches and any shoots from the base, and keep it light, because flowers form on older wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt comes in three sizes: a 400mm pot, a 45L and a 100L. The 400mm is a young grafted tree, usually well under 2m, and the value option for an avenue. The 45L is the middle ground for a single feature, and the 100L arrives with real height and a formed canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrdered between late autumn and late winter it will arrive bare of leaves, which is normal for a deciduous tree and the ideal time to plant. Expect 30 to 50cm of growth a year once established, and a proper display from the second or third spring. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrowse more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/deciduous-trees\"\u003edeciduous trees\u003c\/a\u003e for seasonal colour.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSee the full range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/driveway-trees\"\u003edriveway trees\u003c\/a\u003e for a matched avenue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead our guide to the \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/best-trees-for-lining-driveways-in-australia-top-choices\"\u003ebest trees for lining driveways in Australia\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow far apart should I plant them for a driveway?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpace them 5m to 6m apart. Tighter than 5m and the canopies crowd each other into narrow, one sided shapes. Wider than 6m and the avenue never reads as continuous from a car.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the fruit edible?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is small, hard and very tart, so it is not a snacking apple, though crab apples of this type are traditionally used for jelly. Most gardeners leave it for the birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it grow in a warm coastal garden?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is happiest with cold winters. In subtropical gardens the lack of winter chill gives patchy flowering and weak autumn colour, so warm coastal gardeners are better served by a tree suited to their climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"400mm","offer_id":54140091105599,"sku":null,"price":326.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"45L","offer_id":51648103186751,"sku":"QLD","price":396.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100L","offer_id":51649717633343,"sku":"QLD","price":735.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/Crab-Apple-Royal-Raindrops-Malus-Royal-Raindrops-JFS-KW5.jpg?v=1766224359"},{"product_id":"crab-apple-crimson-knight-malus-crimson-knight","title":"Crab Apple ‘Crimson Knight’ - Malus ‘Crimson Knight’","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrab Apple 'Crimson Knight' (\u003cem\u003eMalus\u003c\/em\u003e 'Crimson Knight') is a small deciduous tree that holds colour from the first buds to leaf drop. Crimson spring blossom covers the bare branches, then deep burgundy foliage carries the summer before turning again in autumn, with small dark fruit left behind for the birds. It grows to about 4m tall and 3m wide, which makes it a genuine feature tree for a suburban block.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBurgundy foliage, not just green.\u003c\/strong\u003e The dark leaf colour holds right through summer, long after the blossom has finished.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring blossom you cannot miss.\u003c\/strong\u003e Crimson and pink flowers open on bare wood, which is why crab apples read so strongly from a distance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe right size for a real garden.\u003c\/strong\u003e At 4m by 3m it gives shade and structure without taking over the yard.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBirds and bees both benefit.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bees work the blossom in spring, and the small dark fruit feeds birds into the cold months.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe near hard surfaces.\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-invasive roots mean it can go beside a driveway, a path or a courtyard edge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature planting.\u003c\/strong\u003e One tree in a lawn or at the corner of a bed does the whole job, because there is something happening on it in every season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDriveways and avenues.\u003c\/strong\u003e For a matched run, space trees 4 to 5m apart. That gives each canopy room to reach its full 3m spread without the crowns growing into one another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmall gardens and shade.\u003c\/strong\u003e The canopy is open rather than heavy, so it throws usable dappled shade over a seat or a bed while still letting light through beneath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Crab Apple 'Crimson Knight' in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun, always: shade dulls the burgundy foliage and cuts the blossom. This is a cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean tree. It is frost hardy and wind tolerant, so exposed southern and inland blocks suit it, but not the tropics or humid subtropical gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep, free draining soil with compost worked through the planting area. It handles a range of soil types but not permanent wet, so mound the bed on heavy clay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers while the roots go down. After that it is drought tolerant in most seasons. Feed a complete fertiliser in early spring as the buds swell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune in winter while the tree is bare and the framework is visible. Take out crossing branches and any water shoots, and lift the lowest limbs if you want to walk or mow beneath it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is sold in one size, a 45L pot, so this is an advanced tree with a formed trunk and a branch structure already in place. You are not waiting years for it to look like something. Expect around 30 to 50cm of growth a year once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf it travels in the cooler months it will arrive bare, with no leaves. That is dormancy rather than transit damage, and it breaks bud again in spring. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, plants are delivered Australia wide. Every tree carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/flowering-trees\"\u003eBrowse the flowering tree range\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/small-trees-for-urban-gardens\"\u003eSmall trees for urban and suburban blocks\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/driveway-trees\"\u003eTrees suited to driveways and avenues\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/deciduous-trees\"\u003eCompare other deciduous trees\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan you eat the fruit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an ornamental crab apple grown for blossom and foliage, not for the kitchen. The fruit is small and sour, and it is best left on the tree for the birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow far from a fence or path should I plant it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow at least 1.5m from a hard edge so the 3m canopy has room. The roots are non-invasive, so paving and pipes are not the concern here, the branches are.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it keep its dark leaves all summer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn full sun, yes. In part shade the burgundy fades towards bronze green by mid summer, which is the biggest reason a crab apple disappoints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"250mm (Pack of 3) (Backorder)","offer_id":55100517581119,"sku":null,"price":291.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300mm","offer_id":55100517515583,"sku":null,"price":214.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"330mm (Backorder)","offer_id":55100517613887,"sku":null,"price":209.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400mm","offer_id":55100517548351,"sku":null,"price":387.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"45L (Backorder)","offer_id":51648105054527,"sku":"QLD","price":338.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"150L","offer_id":55100517646655,"sku":null,"price":1375.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/Crab-Apple-Crimson-Knight-Malus-Crimson-Knight.jpg?v=1766224360"},{"product_id":"crab-apple-plena-malus-ioensis-plena","title":"Crab Apple ‘Plena’ - Malus ioensis ‘Plena’","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrab Apple 'Plena' (\u003cem\u003eMalus ioensis\u003c\/em\u003e 'Plena') is the tree to plant if you want a spring display you can smell from the other end of the garden. It grows to about 5m tall and 4m wide, and in mid spring it covers itself in double pink blossom, each flower layered like a small rose and carrying a genuine violet scent. The leaves colour before dropping in autumn, and the bare branch structure earns its keep through winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDouble blossom, not single.\u003c\/strong\u003e Each flower carries multiple layers of pink petals, so the display is fuller and lasts longer than the single flowered crab apples.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIt is properly fragrant.\u003c\/strong\u003e The scent is one reason this variety has stayed in gardens for a century. Plant it where people walk past in spring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree seasons of interest.\u003c\/strong\u003e Blossom in spring, clean green foliage through summer, then autumn colour before the branches go bare.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTough where it counts.\u003c\/strong\u003e Frost hardy, wind tolerant and happy in poor soil, with non-invasive roots that let it sit near a driveway or path.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature planting in a small garden.\u003c\/strong\u003e A single tree in lawn or at the corner of a house is the classic use. At around 5m by 4m it is a real tree without dominating a suburban block.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDriveways and avenues.\u003c\/strong\u003e Repeated down a drive it makes a memorable spring approach. Allow about 4m between trees so each canopy can reach full width.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight shade.\u003c\/strong\u003e The summer canopy casts useful dappled shade over a seat or lawn, then lets the winter sun back through once the leaves drop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Crab Apple 'Plena' in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun, both for flowering and for autumn colour. This is a cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean tree, and it is properly frost hardy. It needs a real winter to perform, which rules out the subtropics and tropics, where the blossom is thin and unreliable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Adaptable, and more forgiving of poor and rocky ground than most flowering trees. What it will not accept is waterlogging, so mound the position on heavy clay. Mulch 75mm deep, clear of the trunk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers, then reduce to a soak in extended dry spells. Feed a complete slow release fertiliser in early spring as the buds swell. Avoid feeding late in the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune in winter while the tree is bare and the structure is visible. Take out crossing and inward growing branches, and remove any suckers from below the graft union. Flowers form on older wood, so heavy shearing costs you next spring's display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe grow it in six sizes: 200mm in packs of six, single 300mm and 400mm plants, and advanced 45L, 75L and 100L trees. The smaller sizes are young whips with limited branching, the economical route if you can wait a few years. The advanced trees arrive with established trunks and flower far sooner. All sizes are currently on backorder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a deciduous tree, so depending on the season it may arrive bare or barely in leaf. That is normal and not a fault. Packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/evergreen-vs-deciduous-trees-australia-guide\"\u003eChoosing between evergreen and deciduous trees\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/flowering-trees\"\u003eBrowse the full flowering tree range\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/autumn-colour-plants\"\u003ePlants that colour up in autumn\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/crab-apple-royal-raindrops-malus-royal-raindrops-jfs-kw5\"\u003eCrab Apple Royal Raindrops, for deep purple foliage\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it produce edible fruit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt sets only small, sparse fruit, and this variety is grown for blossom rather than a crop. If you want fruit worth picking, choose an eating apple instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it grow in Brisbane or the subtropics?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot reliably. It needs a genuine cold winter to flower properly, so it belongs in cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long until it flowers well?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvanced trees in 45L and above often flower in their first or second spring. Younger stock takes three to four years before a display worth the wait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"200mm (Pack of 6) (Backorder)","offer_id":54140091269439,"sku":null,"price":317.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300mm","offer_id":54140091236671,"sku":null,"price":163.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400mm","offer_id":54140091138367,"sku":null,"price":326.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"45L","offer_id":51648106463551,"sku":"QLD","price":393.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"75L","offer_id":54140091203903,"sku":null,"price":775.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100L","offer_id":54140091171135,"sku":null,"price":845.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/Crab-Apple-Plena-Malus-ioensis-Plena.jpg?v=1766224364"},{"product_id":"crab-apple-malus-trilobata","title":"Crab Apple - Malus trilobata","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrab Apple (\u003cem\u003eMalus trilobata\u003c\/em\u003e) is the deciduous tree for a garden that needs height without width. It grows to about 8m tall and only 4m across, holding a tight upright form, and the maple like lobed leaves turn deep red through to purple before winter. White blossom covers the branches in spring. It is also sold as Eriolobus trilobatus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTall and narrow by nature.\u003c\/strong\u003e Roughly 8m by 4m, so it screens a first storey window or lines a driveway without pushing into the lawn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutumn colour worth planting for.\u003c\/strong\u003e The lobed leaves turn red through to purple and hold for weeks in a cool or Mediterranean climate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring blossom for bees.\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean white flowers open before the leaves expand, and they are genuinely useful to bees and butterflies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTough once established.\u003c\/strong\u003e Frost hardy, drought tolerant, heat tolerant and wind tolerant, a rare set in an ornamental of this size.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDriveways and avenues.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 3m to 4m apart for an even row. The narrow crown keeps cars and paths clear without annual lifting of the lower limbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScreening in a small garden.\u003c\/strong\u003e A row at 3m screens an upper level outlook while taking almost no ground space. Being deciduous the screen thins over winter, which suits a garden that wants winter sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature planting.\u003c\/strong\u003e As a single specimen it carries three seasons: blossom, a clean green summer canopy, then the autumn turn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing crab apple in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun. It belongs in cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and it needs genuine winter cold to colour well. In subtropical and tropical areas the leaves stay green and drop without the display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Any reasonably drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral, improved with compost through the backfill. It will not sit in waterlogged ground, so mound the planting hole on heavy clay and mulch 75mm deep, kept clear of the trunk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers, then it can largely be left to seasonal rain in temperate gardens. A complete slow release fertiliser in early spring is all it asks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Very little. Remove crossing or damaged wood in late winter while the tree is bare, and resist shortening the leader, since the upright shape is the reason to grow it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis crab apple is grown in 45L and 100L containers, both advanced sizes rather than young whips. A 45L tree usually arrives around head height with a formed leader, and a 100L tree gives you several years of growth on day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrdered in winter it may arrive bare of leaves, which is normal for a deciduous tree. Expect 30 to 50cm of growth a year once settled. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, plants are delivered Australia wide, and every tree carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/best-trees-for-lining-driveways-in-australia-top-choices\"\u003eChoosing trees to line a driveway\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/deciduous-trees\"\u003eBrowse the deciduous tree range\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/autumn-colour-plants\"\u003ePlants grown for autumn colour\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/evergreen-vs-deciduous-trees-australia-guide\"\u003eEvergreen or deciduous, how to choose\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow far apart should I plant it for an avenue?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3m to 4m apart gives an even, continuous row without the crowns fighting. For a screen hold to 3m; for individual specimens along a drive, stretch to 5m.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the fruit edible?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe small apples are edible in the technical sense but hard and sour, and best left to the birds. This tree is grown for its shape, blossom and autumn colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it colour up in a warm garden?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly partly. Warm temperate gardens get a shorter, softer turn, and in subtropical areas the leaves usually drop green. Cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens see the full display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow wide will it really get?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 4m across at maturity, and it takes its time getting there. Allow 2m of clearance from a wall or fence and it will never need reshaping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"200mm (Pack of 6) (Backorder)","offer_id":55100557197631,"sku":null,"price":243.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300mm","offer_id":55100557132095,"sku":null,"price":163.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400mm","offer_id":55100557164863,"sku":null,"price":326.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"45L (Backorder)","offer_id":51649718485311,"sku":"QLD","price":229.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100L","offer_id":51649721860415,"sku":"QLD","price":660.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000L","offer_id":55100557099327,"sku":null,"price":18150.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/Crab-Apple-Malus-trilobata.png?v=1766224611"},{"product_id":"crab-apple-malus-profusion","title":"Crab Apple - Malus ‘Profusion’","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrab Apple 'Profusion' (\u003cem\u003eMalus\u003c\/em\u003e x \u003cem\u003emoerlandsii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Profusion') is a deciduous feature tree that earns its space three times a year. It settles at about 5m tall and 4m wide, opens deep pink to purple blossom in spring against bronzed new leaves, then colours in autumn and holds small dark red fruit into winter. The roots are non-invasive, so it is one of the safer small trees near a drive or a path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree seasons of interest.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pink purple blossom, bronze spring foliage, autumn colour and persistent red fruit from one tree.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA size that fits a real garden.\u003c\/strong\u003e At 5m by 4m it suits a suburban block where a full sized ornamental would crowd everything out.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoots that stay out of trouble.\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-invasive, so paths, driveways and services are not at risk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGood for bees and butterflies.\u003c\/strong\u003e The spring blossom is a genuine nectar source, and the fruit is edible if you want to make jelly from it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature planting.\u003c\/strong\u003e Give it a spot you look at from the house. A single tree in lawn or an open bed carries the whole spring display on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmall gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e The modest canopy and safe roots make it usable in a courtyard or a narrow front garden where a larger tree would not work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDriveways and avenues.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 4m to 5m apart for a matched line. At that spacing the canopies just meet at maturity without the branches tangling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Crab Apple Profusion in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun for the heaviest flowering and the best autumn colour. This is a tree for cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and it is frost hardy, so cold winters suit it. It is not a choice for tropical or subtropical humidity, where it flowers poorly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Well drained soil with compost through the backfill. Wind tolerant once established, so an open block is fine. Keep 75mm of mulch on the root zone, clear of the trunk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply through the first two summers. It is not a drought tolerant tree, so keep the water up in dry spells or the leaves scorch and the fruit drops early. Feed a complete slow release fertiliser in early spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune in winter while it is bare. Take out crossing branches and any suckers from below the graft, and shorten long shoots to balance the crown. Leave the short flowering spurs alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis one is sold in a single size, 30L: a young tree with a formed trunk and a branching head rather than a whip. It will not be at 5m on arrival, so expect a few years of steady growth before it fills out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeciduous trees ship best in the cooler months, and a tree despatched bare of leaves in winter is normal rather than a fault. Plants are delivered Australia wide, delivery from $29.95, and advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/evergreen-vs-deciduous-trees-australia-guide\"\u003eEvergreen or deciduous: choosing for your garden\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/deciduous-trees\"\u003eBrowse the deciduous tree range\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/autumn-colour-plants\"\u003ePlants for autumn colour\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/non-invasive-root-trees\"\u003eTrees with non-invasive roots\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan you eat the fruit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The small dark red crab apples are edible, though sharp raw, and they are usually cooked into jelly. Left on the tree they hang well into winter and the birds take them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow far apart for a driveway line?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour to five metres apart. Closer than that and the canopies fight each other; further and the line stops reading as an avenue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it grow in a warm humid climate?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot well. It needs cool temperate, warm temperate or Mediterranean conditions, and a proper winter chill drives the flowering. In subtropical gardens expect weak blossom and disappointing autumn colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it need a second tree to fruit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo, it sets fruit on its own. Crab apples are also useful pollinators for eating apples nearby, so it does double duty in a garden with fruit trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"30L (Backorder)","offer_id":51652332028223,"sku":"QLD","price":252.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/Crab-Apple-Malus-Profusion.jpg?v=1766224730"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/collections\/Japanese-Flowering-Crabapple-Malus-floribunda.jpg?v=1790859025","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/collections\/crabapples.oembed","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}