Malus ioensis 'Plena' (Crab Apple) - Evergreen Trees Direct

Malus ioensis 'Plena' – Double-Flowered Crab Apple - Evergreen Trees Direct

Malus ioensis 'Plena' – Double-Flowered Crab Apple

Name: Malus ioensis 'Plena' – Double-Flowered Crab Apple
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
Price: 2150.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$2,150.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

999 in stock

Size: 400L - Ex Ground (Dig in winter only)

400L - Ex Ground (Dig in winter only) 300L 200L 100L 40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.1m – 2m Approx.
100L: 1.9m – 2.2m Approx.
200L: 2.7m – 3.2m Approx.
300L: 3m – 3.5m Approx.
400L (Ex Ground): Enquire within for height guide information.

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 ioensis 'Plena' – Double-Flowered Crab Apple

Malus ioensis 'Plena', known as the Double-Flowered Crab Apple, is a small ornamental tree prized for its stunning double pink blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage. Growing 4–6 meters tall and 3–5 meters wide, it features a rounded, tidy shape perfect for smaller gardens.

In late spring, it bursts into fragrant, double pink flowers that attract pollinators. Its fresh green leaves transform to golden-orange in autumn, while small green to yellow crab apples provide food for birds. Thriving in full sun to part shade, it requires regular watering when young and minimal pruning—just once yearly to remove dead branches.

Ideal as a stand-alone feature, seasonal color provider, or pollinator-friendly tree, the Double-Flowered Crab Apple offers reliable beauty with low maintenance and high visual impact.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Malus ioensis 'Plena' – Double-Flowered Crab Apple is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 4m - 6m Approximately

Mature Width: 3 – 5 meters

Malus ioensis 'Plena' – Double-Flowered Crab Apple is expected to grow Approx 30 – 60 cm per year (moderate).

Frost Tolerance

Is Malus ioensis 'Plena' – Double-Flowered Crab Apple frost tolerant?

Malus ioensis 'Plena' – Double-Flowered Crab Apple is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Malus ioensis ‘Plena’ produces spectacular fully double, rose-pink blossoms in mid- to late spring. The large, peony-like flowers are richly fragrant and form in tight clusters along the branches, creating one of the most dramatic and romantic floral displays of any crabapple.

Native Information

Is Malus ioensis 'Plena' – Double-Flowered Crab Apple an Australian Native? No

Malus ioensis 'Plena' – Double-Flowered Crab Apple is Native to Originally from North America (Malus ioensis), with ‘Plena’ being a cultivated ornamental variety.

Wildlife Value

Its nectar-rich, fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies and a wide range of beneficial spring pollinators. The small, decorative fruits that follow provide food for birds, while the branching canopy offers shelter and light nesting opportunities, enhancing biodiversity in cottage, ornamental and suburban gardens.

Sunlight Information

Malus ioensis 'Plena' – Double-Flowered Crab Apple will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered Soil

Botanical Information

Common Name: Double-Flowered Crab Apple

Genus: Malus

Botanical Species: ioensis

Family: Rosaceae

Botanical Name: Malus ioensis 'Plena'

Landscape Uses

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

Malus ioensis 'Plena' – Double-Flowered Crab Apple works in an:

Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant:

Select a location with well-draining soil and full to partial sun exposure.
Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
Carefully place the tree in the hole, ensuring it is at the correct planting depth.
Backfill the hole with soil, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Feature Tree: Space 3 – 5 m apart to showcase flowers
Avenue Planting: Space 4 – 6 m apart for uniform bloom effect
Hedging & Screening: Not recommended

Caring for Malus ioensis 'Plena':

Water the tree regularly, especially during dry periods, to establish a deep and extensive root system.
Fertilize annually in early spring with a balanced fertilizer suitable for fruiting trees.
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain the desired shape and remove any diseased or damaged branches.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Malus ioensis 'Plena' 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 ioensis 'Plena' – Double-Flowered Crab Apple 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

Inland QLD (Darling Downs, Central QLD)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun
Part Shade

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it requires regular watering, and once established ‘Plena’ offers moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in well-drained soils and benefits from deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods to maintain strong flowering, healthy foliage and reliable seasonal performance.

Flowering Information

Does Malus ioensis 'Plena' – Double-Flowered Crab Apple flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Fragrant
Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

Pink

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the best time to plant Malus ioensis 'Plena'?
Planting in early spring or fall is ideal, allowing the tree to establish its roots in moderate weather conditions.
How often should I water my Double-Flowered Crab Apple?
Consistent watering is important, especially during the establishment period and in times of drought.
Is Malus ioensis 'Plena' susceptible to any specific pests or diseases?
While generally robust, it can be prone to some common apple pests and diseases, such as apple scab and fire blight, and should be monitored.
Are the fruits of Malus ioensis 'Plena' edible?
The crabapples are primarily ornamental and are not typically used for human consumption but are valuable for wildlife.
What makes Malus ioensis 'Plena' a unique ornamental tree?
Its spectacular display of double-petal pink flowers, pleasant fragrance, and attractive autumn foliage make it a standout choice for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.