Malus spectabilis 'Plena' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Malus spectabilis 'Plena'

$620.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 100L

100L

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

Current Stock Height Guides

100L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 4m - 7m Approximately

Mature Width: 3 – 6 meters

Malus spectabilis 'Plena' is expected to grow Approx 30 – 60 cm per year (moderate).

Root Ball Dimensions

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)

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Contact

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

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About Your New Malus spectabilis 'Plena'

Malus spectabilis 'Plena', known as Chinese Crabapple 'Plena', is a charming deciduous ornamental tree prized for its abundant double pink blossoms in spring. Growing 3–6 meters tall and wide, it features glossy dark green leaves that transition to vibrant fall colors, complemented by small decorative fruits.

With an upright, rounded habit and moderate growth rate, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various well-draining soils. Moderate drought tolerance is enhanced with regular watering during establishment. Perfect as a specimen tree or focal point in gardens and parks, Chinese Crabapple 'Plena' adds elegant seasonal interest and natural beauty.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

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Type:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

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

Malus spectabilis 'Plena' works in an:

Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.

Is Malus spectabilis 'Plena' Evergreen or Deciduous?

Malus spectabilis 'Plena' is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 4m - 7m Approximately

Mature Width: 3 – 6 meters

Malus spectabilis 'Plena' is expected to grow Approx 30 – 60 cm per year (moderate).

Growth Rate of Malus spectabilis 'Plena'

Malus spectabilis 'Plena' is expected to grow Approx 30 – 60 cm per year (moderate).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Malus spectabilis 'Plena'

Is Malus spectabilis 'Plena' frost tolerant?

Malus spectabilis 'Plena' is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Malus spectabilis 'Plena' Flower?

Malus spectabilis ‘Plena’ produces masses of fully double, soft pink to rose-pink blossoms in mid-spring. The large, ruffled flowers appear in dense clusters along the branches, creating a sumptuous, romantic display that is one of the most ornamental of all crabapples.

Does Malus spectabilis 'Plena' flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Semi-double

Flower Colour:

Pink

Is Malus spectabilis 'Plena' an Australian Native Tree?

No

Malus spectabilis 'Plena' is Native to China, where Malus spectabilis grows naturally in temperate woodlands and cultivated landscapes.

What is the Wildlife Value of Malus spectabilis 'Plena' ?

Its richly petalled, nectar-bearing flowers attract bees, butterflies and spring pollinators, while the small fruits that follow provide food for birds into early winter. The branching canopy also offers shelter and light nesting opportunities for small birds, contributing positively to biodiversity in ornamental gardens.

How much Sunlight does Malus spectabilis 'Plena' need?

Malus spectabilis 'Plena' will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Malus spectabilis ‘Plena’ performs best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral loam or sandy loam soils. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained positions unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance aeration and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering once mature to support strong flowering, healthy canopy growth and reliable fruit set.

Is Malus spectabilis 'Plena' Drought Tolerant?

Is Malus spectabilis 'Plena' Drought tolerant?

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 spells to maintain strong foliage, abundant flowering and steady seasonal health.

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How To Plant Your Malus spectabilis 'Plena'

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Malus spectabilis 'Plena'

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Malus spectabilis 'Plena' is expected to grow Approx 30 – 60 cm per year (moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Malus spectabilis 'Plena'

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Malus spectabilis 'Plena' in Different Soil

Malus spectabilis performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water Chinese Crabapple 'Plena'?
Water regularly during the first few years, and then as needed to maintain soil moisture.

Is this tree suitable for small gardens?
Yes, it is a moderately sized tree and can thrive in smaller outdoor spaces.

Does it produce fruit, and is it edible?
'Plena' produces small decorative fruits, but they are typically not consumed.

Can I plant Chinese Crabapple 'Plena' in a container?
While it's possible, it is best suited for planting in the ground to reach its full potential.