Malus floribunda produces one of the heaviest blossom displays of any small tree, with deep pink buds opening to soft white flowers that cover the entire canopy in spring. Small ornamental crabapples follow in autumn and hold on the bare branches well into winter for the birds.
The Japanese Crabapple grows to 4 to 7 metres tall and 4 to 6 metres wide at 30 to 60 centimetres per year, forming a broad rounded canopy on a clean trunk. That scale suits front gardens, street verges and courtyard planting where a full-sized shade tree would be too much.
Malus floribunda is frost hardy, surviving heavy and frequent frost without damage, and flowers most heavily where winters are genuinely cold. It grows in full sun and tolerates a wide range of soils, needing only a light winter prune to keep the canopy open.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Malus floribunda
How big does Malus floribunda grow?
The Japanese Crabapple reaches 4 to 7 metres tall and 4 to 6 metres wide, forming a broad rounded canopy. It suits front gardens, verges and courtyards.
When does Malus floribunda flower?
Deep pink buds open to soft white blossom through spring, covering the entire canopy. It is one of the heaviest-flowering ornamental crabapples grown.
Is the fruit edible?
The small crabapples are edible but very tart, and are usually left for the birds or used for jelly. They persist on the bare branches into winter.
Is Malus floribunda deciduous?
Yes. It is fully deciduous, with foliage colouring warmly in autumn before dropping to reveal the fruit and branch structure.
Is it frost hardy?
Yes. It survives heavy and frequent frost without damage, and cold winters actually improve the following spring's blossom display.
Does a crabapple help pollinate apple trees?
Yes. Crabapples flower prolifically over a long period and are widely used as universal pollinators for domestic apple varieties planted nearby.
How far apart should I plant Malus floribunda?
Plant 4 to 5 metres apart as individual feature trees so each canopy develops fully, or 4 metres apart for a blossom avenue.