Red Jade Weeping Crabapple Malus × scheideckeri 'Red Jade'
ABOUT
'Red Jade' is a visually striking variety known for its cascading form and beautiful floral display. This plant, commonly known as a flowering crabapple, showcases an enchanting appeal throughout the seasons. During the spring, it bursts into a profusion of deep pink buds that open into a cloud of dazzling white blooms. These blossoms are not only attractive but also emit a delightful fragrance that can infuse the air with a sweet, enchanting aroma. Following the bloom period, the foliage emerges, developing into a fresh green canopy that gracefully weeps, providing a serene, green drapery throughout the summer months. As the leaves unfurl, they create a soft, lush look that contrasts nicely with the smooth, gray bark of the weeping branches. Come autumn, the flowering crabapple produces an abundance of small, bright red apple-like fruits. These miniature fruits add a burst of cheerful color against the foliage, which may turn to shades of yellow or remain green, depending on the environmental conditions. The fruits are not only decorative but also attract a variety of wildlife, including birds, who appreciate the late-season feast. The intriguing weeping habit of 'Red Jade' gives it a distinctive presence in the landscape. Its elegant, drooping branches give it a graceful appearance, making it a focal point in any garden setting. The interplay of the striking flowers, attractive green leaves, and vibrant red fruits throughout the year provides continuous visual interest, making 'Red Jade' a cherished specimen for its ornamental qualities.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Red Jade Crabapple, Red Jade Weeping Crabapple
Common names
Malus × scheideckeri 'Red Jade'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Red Jade is not known for being toxic to humans. Typically, plants from the Malus genus, which includes various types of ornamental crabapples, produce fruit that is not toxic if ingested. However, the seeds of these fruits contain compounds that can release cyanide when digested, so consuming large amounts of seeds can be harmful. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, shortness of breath, seizures, and potentially can lead to coma or death if consumed in large quantities. It is generally safe to handle this plant and eat the fruit in moderation, but be cautious and avoid ingesting the seeds.
To pets
The Red Jade may pose a risk to pets, particularly if they consume a large quantity of the seeds from its fruit. While the flesh of the fruit itself is not typically poisonous, the seeds contain compounds capable of releasing cyanide when digested, much as they do in humans. If a pet ingests a considerable amount of seeds, they might exhibit symptoms of cyanide poisoning such as salivation, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, convulsions, or shock. Although it is uncommon for pets to consume enough seeds to cause serious harm, it is prudent to be cautious and prevent pets from having access to large amounts of crabapple seeds.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
10 feet [3 meters]
Spread
15 feet [4.5 meters]
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The 'Red Jade' crabapple is widely appreciated for its beautiful spring blossoms and vibrant red fruit, which contribute to the aesthetic appeal of landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: It attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, due to its plentiful flowers, supporting ecosystem health.
- Wildlife Habitat: Birds and small mammals are drawn to the crabapple for its fruit, providing a source of food and encouraging biodiversity.
- Shade Provision: As a small to medium-sized tree, it can provide shade in gardens and parks, offering relief on sunny days.
- Seasonal Interest: With changing seasons, 'Red Jade' crabapple displays a variety of visual interests from spring blossoms to fall foliage and winter fruit, offering year-round beauty.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crabapple 'Red Jade' branches can be pruned and used as decorative elements in floral arrangements due to their graceful form and attractive fruit.
- The dense growth habit of 'Red Jade' makes it suitable for creating privacy screens in small garden spaces.
- Fallen crabapples can be collected and used as a natural dye for fabrics, offering varying shades of yellow, green, or brown depending on the mordant used.
- The wood of 'Red Jade' can be harvested and used in small woodworking projects, such as crafting handles for tools or turning into decorative objects.
- This variety of crabapple can be espaliered against a wall or fence to create living art with its spring blossoms and colorful fruit.
- 'Red Jade' can be incorporated into permaculture gardens as a food source for wildlife, attracting birds and beneficial insects.
- Its reflective and refractive qualities when covered in ice or dew can be used by photographers seeking unique and beautiful natural subjects.
- The blossoms provide a natural source of nectar and pollen for bees, supporting local beekeeping practices and pollinator gardens.
- Young 'Red Jade' trees can be used in bonsai cultivation for creating miniature landscapes.
- In larger landscapes, 'Red Jade' can be used to create a rhythm or repetition in design by planting them in a series or as a part of a mixed border.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Weeping Crabapple is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Weeping Crabapple is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: 'Red Jade' is a flowering crabapple known for its aesthetic appeal with beautiful red buds and pink-white blooms, symbolizing natural beauty and grace.
- Renewal: As a deciduous tree that blooms in spring, the crabapple signifies the renewal and rebirth that comes with each season.
- Love and Fidelity: In some cultures, the crabapple can represent love and marriage's enduring nature, celebrating long-lasting affection and commitment.
- Protection: Crabapple trees are sometimes thought to offer protection from negative influences and are planted near homes for this symbolic benefit.
- Youthful Innocence: The delicate and playful appearance of the 'Red Jade' crabapple's blossoms is often associated with the innocence and joy of youth.
WaterThe Red Jade Weeping Crabapple should be watered deeply once a week during its growing season, ensuring moisture reaches the tree's roots. During hot, dry spells, increase watering to twice per week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons depending on the size of the tree and the soil moisture level. In winter, reduce watering since the tree is dormant and requires less. Always check the soil before watering; it should be moist but not waterlogged. Over-watering can be just as harmful as under-watering, so adjust your schedule based on rainfall and temperature changes.
LightThe Red Jade Weeping Crabapple thrives under full sunlight, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. The best spot for the tree is in an open area away from taller structures or trees that could create excessive shade. While the tree can tolerate some light shade, optimal flowering and fruiting occur when it's planted in full sun.
TemperatureThe Red Jade Weeping Crabapple is hardy and can withstand winter temperatures as low as -20°F but grows best when the temperature ranges between 60°F and 75°F. Summer heat above 90°F may stress the tree, and appropriate watering becomes increasingly important. This tree's ideal growing conditions include seasonal variations typical of temperate climates.
PruningThe Red Jade Weeping Crabapple should be pruned to shape it, remove any dead or diseased wood, and to encourage healthy growth. Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant. Thinning out crowded branches every few years allows light and air to penetrate the canopy, improving the tree's health. It's also important to remove suckers and any branches that cross or rub against each other.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRed Jade Weeping Crabapple thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. To create the best soil mix, combine equal parts garden soil, compost, and peat moss or a well-rotted leaf mold, which will help with drainage and provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.
RepottingRed Jade Weeping Crabapple trees, when grown in containers, should be repotted every 3 to 5 years or when rootbound. It's best to repot in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingRed Jade Weeping Crabapple prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to various outdoor conditions. Ensuring good air circulation around the tree can help prevent any humidity-related issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun and room for growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, sheltered spot.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleMalus × scheideckeri 'Red Jade', commonly known as the 'Red Jade' weeping crabapple, begins its life cycle as a seed that, once planted, germinates in the presence of appropriate sunlight, soil, and moisture conditions. Upon germination, it develops into a sapling with leaves and a rudimentary root system. As it grows, it enters a vegetative stage, maturing over several years and developing a distinctive weeping form with branches that arch downwards. The 'Red Jade' crabapple then reaches reproductive maturity, blossoming in spring with clusters of white or pink flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small red crabapples, which, once mature, fall to the ground and can serve as seeds for the next generation if conditions allow. The tree has a perennial life cycle, going through phases of growth, flowering, and fruiting annually for many years until it reaches the end of its lifespan.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Red Jade Crabapple is often propagated by grafting, widely considered the most popular method for this ornamental tree. This technique involves taking a piece of the Red Jade Crabapple, usually a small stem or scion, that contains at least one dormant bud. The scion is then joined to a rootstock, which is a seedling or young tree chosen for its hardiness and compatibility with the desired variety. The grafting is typically performed in late winter or early spring before the tree's growth begins. The two pieces are held together by grafting tape or a similar material until the graft union heals and the scion begins to grow on its own, supported by the rootstock. This method is favored as it combines the desirable characteristics of the 'Red Jade' variety with the strength and adaptability of the chosen rootstock.
