Skip to content

Volume Discounts Apply At Checkout

Malus ioensis 'Plena' STD 1.8m graft

About Your New Malus ioensis 'Plena' STD 1.8m graft

Malus ioensis 'Plena', the double flowering or Bechtel crabapple, is a deciduous ornamental tree supplied here as a 1.8 metre standard, so the head sits clear above the graft. Spring brings large, fully double flowers in blush pink to white with a genuine rose scent. Broad green leaves follow and turn yellow, orange and red in autumn.

It reaches up to 3 metres tall and up to 3 metres wide on the standard, growing about 30 to 60 centimetres a year. Full sun to partial shade suits it, in most reasonable soils that drain freely. It is frost hardy in cool and temperate districts and moderately drought tolerant once established, and it sets little fruit.

A clear stemmed standard is useful wherever you want to underplant: garden beds, courtyards, streetscapes and formal pairs either side of an entry. Space feature trees 3 to 4 metres apart, or 3 metres apart for an avenue. The lifted head keeps sightlines open, which matters on narrow footpaths and driveways.

Frequently Asked Questions

About 'Plena' Crabapple

What is Malus ioensis 'Plena'?

It is the double flowering or Bechtel crabapple, a deciduous ornamental tree known for large, fully double spring flowers in blush pink to white with a genuine rose fragrance. Supplied as a 1.8 metre standard, it carries a rounded head clear above a straight single trunk, over yellow to red autumn foliage.

What does a 1.8 metre standard graft mean?

It means the tree has been grafted at 1.8 metres, so all the branching starts above that height on a clear straight trunk. The result is a lifted, rounded head with usable space beneath it. Standards are chosen where you want to walk or plant under the canopy, or keep sightlines open.

How big does it grow?

Up to about 3 metres tall and up to 3 metres wide, measured on the grafted head, which keeps it firmly in the small tree bracket. Growth runs about 30 to 60 centimetres a year, so it fills out reasonably quickly. The compact final size suits small to medium gardens and narrow streetscapes.

When does it flower?

In spring, roughly September to November, with the double blooms opening after most single flowered crabapples have finished. The flowers are larger and longer lasting than single forms because of the extra petals, and they carry a rose like scent. Very little fruit follows, since double flowers set poorly.

Does it need sun or shade?

Full sun to partial shade. Full sun gives the heaviest flowering and the best autumn colour, when the foliage turns yellow, orange and red before leaf fall. It will grow in light shade with fewer flowers and a looser head. Shelter from strong hot wind helps the blossom last longer.

Is it frost and drought tolerant?

It is frost hardy and suits cool and temperate districts, including areas with regular heavy winter frost, and it needs some winter chill to flower well. Once established it is moderately drought tolerant, though it holds better foliage and flowers more heavily with deep watering through prolonged dry spells in summer.

How do I care for the 'Plena' Crabapple?

Stake the standard for the first couple of years until the trunk thickens, and keep the graft union clear of mulch. Prune in winter to take out dead or crossing wood and keep the head balanced, and rub off any shoots on the trunk. Water through dry spells and feed in early spring.

Evergreen Trees Direct Has Been Featured In:

Load video:

Plant Your Malus ioensis 'Plena' STD 1.8m graft With:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

Regular price $21.95
Sale price $21.95 Regular price
Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls

Type: Structural Foliage

Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls

Regular price From $300.00
Sale price From $300.00 Regular price
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

Type: Structural Foliage

Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

Regular price From $200.00
Sale price From $200.00 Regular price
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden'

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden'

Regular price From $130.00
Sale price From $130.00 Regular price
Liguleria Reniformis - Evergreen Trees Direct

Type: Structural Foliage

Ligularia reniformis

Regular price $45.00
Sale price $45.00 Regular price
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'

Regular price From $145.00
Sale price From $145.00 Regular price
Laurus nobilis 'Miles Choice' Bay Tree

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Laurus nobilis 'Miles Choice' Bay Tree

Regular price From $100.00
Sale price From $100.00 Regular price

Uses in my Garden

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

Malus ioensis 'Plena' STD 1.8m graft works in an:

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

youtube Load video:

Planting Information

youtube Load video:
Evergreen Trees Direct
Evergreen Trees Direct
Evergreen Trees Direct

Elevate Your Garden

Follow Us On Instagram

@evergreentreedirect
Evergreen Trees Direct
Evergreen Trees Direct