Malus floribunda (Japanese Crabapple) - Evergreen Trees Direct

Malus floribunda - Evergreen Trees Direct

Malus floribunda (Japanese Crabapple)

Name: Malus floribunda (Japanese Crabapple)
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
Price: 680.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$680.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

1000 in stock

Size: 150L

150L 100L 40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.5m – 2m Approx.
100L: 1.5m – 2.4m Approx.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Malus floribunda (Japanese Crabapple)

Malus floribunda, known as the Japanese Crabapple, is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its spectacular spring blossoms and compact form. Growing 4–6 meters tall and wide, it features mid-green leaves that turn yellow to red in autumn, adding seasonal color.

This tree produces profuse pale pink to white fragrant flowers from red buds in spring, attracting pollinators. Small red to yellow crabapples follow, providing food for birds through winter. With a rounded, spreading habit and gracefully arching branches, it creates year-round interest.

Ideal as a specimen tree, for gardens, parks, or streetscapes, the Japanese Crabapple thrives in full sun to partial shade, requires low maintenance with occasional pruning, and benefits from moderate watering, especially during establishment.

A beautiful, wildlife-friendly choice that adds charm and ecological value to any landscape.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Malus floribunda (Japanese Crabapple) is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 4m - 7m Approximately

Mature Width: 4 – 6 meters

Malus floribunda (Japanese Crabapple) is expected to grow Approx 30 – 60 cm per year (moderate).

Frost Tolerance

Is Malus floribunda (Japanese Crabapple) frost tolerant?

Malus floribunda (Japanese Crabapple) is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Malus floribunda produces masses of deep pink buds that open into soft shell-pink to white blossoms in mid-spring. The flowers cover the branches in dense clusters, creating a spectacular, cloud-like display that is among the most admired of all flowering crabapples.

Native Information

Is Malus floribunda (Japanese Crabapple) an Australian Native? No

Malus floribunda (Japanese Crabapple) is Native to Japan, where it grows naturally in woodlands and mountain slopes.

Wildlife Value

Its prolific blossoms attract bees, butterflies and a wide range of pollinating insects, while the small, colourful fruits that follow provide food for birds well into autumn. The branching canopy also offers shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds, supporting biodiversity in urban and ornamental gardens.

Sunlight Information

Malus floribunda (Japanese Crabapple) will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preffered Soil

Malus floribunda performs best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral loam or sandy loam soils. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained sites unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to increase aeration and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support strong root health, prolific flowering and reliable fruit set.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Japanese Crabapple

Genus: Malus

Botanical Species: floribunda

Family: Rosaceae

Botanical Name: Malus floribunda

Landscape Uses

Feature Tree
Street Tree
Council or Civic Landscapes
Shade Tree
Avenue Planting

Malus floribunda (Japanese Crabapple) works in an:

Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant:

Choose a sunny to a partly shaded site with well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
Position the tree in the hole, ensuring it is upright.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Hedging & Screening:Not suitable.

Feature Tree:Plant 3 m – 5 m apart to showcase blossom.

Avenue Planting Trees:Plant 4 m – 6 m apart for ornamental rows.

Caring for Malus floribunda:

Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to establish a deep, extensive root system.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer suitable for fruiting trees.
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain a healthy structure and encourage vigorous growth.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Malus floribunda prefers moist, well-drained soil, but adapts to various conditions:

Sandy Soil: Retains moisture poorly—add organic matter to improve water retention.

Clay Soil: Can retain too much water—improve with compost and sand to enhance drainage.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for healthy root development and strong flowering performance.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Tolerates a wide pH range but thrives in neutral to slightly acidic conditions.

Malus floribunda (Japanese Crabapple) is expected to grow Approx 30 – 60 cm per year (moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Sydney & Central Coast
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Alpine / High Country (Bright, Mansfield)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it requires regular watering, and once established Japanese Crabapple develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in well-drained soils and benefits from deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods to maintain healthy foliage, abundant flowering and steady fruiting.

Flowering Information

Does Malus floribunda (Japanese Crabapple) flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered
Fragrant
Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

Pink

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the best time to plant Malus floribunda?
Planting in early spring or fall is ideal for allowing the tree to establish its roots in moderate temperatures.
How often should I water my Japanese Crabapple?
Regular watering is crucial, particularly during dry periods and in the first few years of growth.
Is Malus floribunda susceptible to any pests or diseases?
While generally robust, it can be prone to common apple pests and diseases, such as apple scab and fire blight.
Can Malus floribunda be used for fruit production?
The fruits are mainly ornamental and are not typically used for human consumption but are excellent for wildlife.
What makes Malus floribunda a good choice for ornamental planting?
Its stunning spring blossoms, attractive fall foliage, and manageable size make it a popular choice for adding ornamental value to a variety of landscapes.