Crabapple Malus 'Royal Beauty'
ABOUT
The Malus 'Royal Beauty' is commonly known as the Royal Beauty Crabapple and it boasts an exquisite display with a weeping habit, adding a graceful touch to any garden. Its branches sweep towards the ground and are adorned with glossy, deep purple to reddish-purple leaves that provide a beautiful contrast against the landscape throughout the growing season. During the spring, the Royal Beauty Crabapple bursts into a profusion of deep pink to red blossoms that are notably fragrant, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. As the flowers fade, they give way to small, dark red to purplish crabapples that persist into the winter, offering a picturesque view even in colder months. These crabapples not only add visual interest but can also serve as a food source for birds and wildlife. The overall appearance of the Royal Beauty Crabapple provides a stunning ornamental value with its unique weeping shape, vibrant foliage, and colorful fruit.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Weeping Crabapple, Royal Beauty Crabapple
Common names
Malus 'Royal Beauty'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as Crabapple, may have parts that are considered toxic to humans if ingested. While the flesh of the crabapple fruit is generally safe to eat, the seeds contain amygdalin, which is a compound that can release cyanide when digested. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, may lead to coma or death. It is important to avoid consuming the seeds or any other potentially toxic parts of the plant.
To pets
Crabapple, the common name for Malus 'Royal Beauty', can also be toxic to pets if they ingest certain parts of the plant. Similar to humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which is converted to cyanide in the digestive system. Pets who ingest a large quantity of crabapple seeds may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, seizures, respiratory distress, or even coma and death. Care should be taken to prevent pets from consuming the seeds or other parts of the plant that may be harmful.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: 'Royal Beauty' crabapple is known for its attractive weeping habit and stunning spring blossom display.
- Wildlife Attraction: The tree produces fruit that is favored by various birds and other wildlife.
- Shade Provider: Although smaller, this tree can provide dappled shade in gardens and parks.
- Seasonal Interest: With changing foliage colors and fruit, it offers visual interest across multiple seasons.
- Compact Size: It is suitable for smaller landscapes due to its relatively small stature.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and upkeep compared to some other ornamental trees.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting: The wood from the Royal Beauty crabapple can be used for small woodworking projects, such as carving or turning, due to its fine grain and workability.
- Wildlife Shelter: Thick branches and dense foliage provide nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals within a garden ecosystem.
- Natural Dye: The leaves and fruit of the Royal Beauty crabapple can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, with varying colors depending on mordants used.
- Photography Backdrop: The vibrant blossoms and weeping form make Royal Beauty crabapple a picturesque backdrop for springtime photography.
- Culinary Decoration: Crabapple flowers can be candied or used as edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
- Teaching Tool: This plant can serve as a subject for educational purposes in botany or horticulture classes to illustrate grafting techniques or plant growth habits.
- Bonsai: The plant's attractive form and relatively small leaves can make it a good candidate for bonsai cultivation under skilled care.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Branches can be cut and brought indoors to create natural decorations during seasonal festivals and celebrations, particularly in spring.
- Beekeeping: As a nectar source, the Royal Beauty crabapple can support beekeeping by providing forage for honeybees when in bloom.
- Floral Arrangements: The branches with buds and open blooms can be used in fresh floral arrangements to add a unique touch to bouquets or event decorations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Crabapple is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Crabapple is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: As its name suggests, the 'Royal Beauty' crabapple signifies beauty, which is reflected in its lush, attractive flowers and elegant form.
- Royalty: The 'Royal' aspect of its name implies a connection to regality and nobility, often associated with dignity, splendor, and elevated status.
- Love: Crabapple trees are sometimes associated with love, perhaps due to their abundant, lovely blossoms and the heart-shaped fruits they bear.
- Peace: With its gentle and pleasing appearance, crabapples can symbolize peace, offering a serene presence in any environment.
- Renewal: Like many flowering trees, crabapples symbolize spring and renewal as they are among the first to bloom, heralding the end of winter and the arrival of new growth.
WaterThe Weeping Crabapple should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1.5 to 2 gallons per watering session for young trees, and more for mature trees, depending on their size and the weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, watering frequency should increase to twice a week. Always water at the base of the tree, avoiding wetting the foliage, to minimize the risk of disease. During the winter, watering can be reduced as the tree requires less moisture due to dormancy.
LightWeeping Crabapples thrive in full sunlight, receiving at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. They perform best in a spot that is open and exposed to the sun throughout the day, with minimal shade, to ensure vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureWeeping Crabapples can tolerate a range of temperatures, from winter lows around -20 degrees Fahrenheit to summer highs well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit; however, they grow best in moderate conditions, ideally between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy and can survive occasional temperature fluctuations outside of these ranges.
PruningPruning Weeping Crabapples is essential to maintain their shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and to promote healthy growth and air circulation. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune annually, thinning out crowded branches and cutting back to a healthy bud to shape the tree and encourage new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWeeping Crabapple trees prefer well-draining loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite can create an ideal environment for healthy growth.
RepottingWeeping Crabapples grown in containers may need repotting every 2–3 years to prevent root crowding and to refresh the soil. Inspect the root system in early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingWeeping Crabapple trees are generally adaptable but prefer moderate humidity levels outdoors, mirroring natural conditions without requiring specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for growing indoors; needs outdoor conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil and ample space.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of 'Royal Beauty' crabapple begins with seed germination, which requires a chilling period to break dormancy. After germination, the seedling grows through a juvenile phase, establishing a root system, and developing leaves and stems. As it matures into an adult tree, it undergoes vernalization, a cold treatment necessary for floral induction. The tree then flowers in spring, producing vibrant crimson blossoms that attract pollinators, leading to fruit set. The small, reddish-purple fruits mature by late summer or fall, which are consumed by birds and other wildlife, dispersing the seeds. The plant's life span can extend over several decades, with the tree experiencing annual cycles of growth, flowering, and fruiting.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Malus 'Royal Beauty', commonly known as the crabapple, is through grafting. This method typically takes place in late winter or early spring, ahead of the growing season. In grafting, a stem with leaf buds is inserted into the stock of a tree, and the two parts are bound together until they grow into one plant. A scion, which is a young shoot or twig from the crabapple, is selected for its desirable characteristics and cut from the donor plant. The scion is then attached to a rootstock, which is chosen for its resilience and compatibility with the soil. Grafting requires precision and care to ensure that the vascular tissues of the scion and rootstock align for successful fusion and nutrient transport. It allows the propagated trees to faithfully replicate the desirable traits of the 'Royal Beauty', ensuring consistent fruit quality and tree form.
