Wisley Crab Apple Malus 'Wisley Crab'
ABOUT
Wisley Crab is an ornamental variety of crabapple tree known for its eye-catching appearance throughout the seasons. It features a profusion of delicate flowers that grace the branches in spring; these are typically white with pink accents, sporting a soft yet vibrant allure. As the seasons shift, the flowers give way to small, brightly colored crabapples, which are known for their attractive hues that can range from yellow to various shades of red, depending on the exact variety. The foliage of Wisley Crab is another point of interest, as it often emerges in shades of purple or reddish hues, then transitions to green as it matures, and finally to a golden color in the fall. The bark and branches add to the plant's ornamental value. The bark is generally smooth with a somewhat flaky texture while the branches create a pleasing structure, spreading out to give the tree a rounded and welcoming silhouette. When not in bloom or bearing fruit, the intricate branch structure offers visual interest during the colder months. Overall, Wisley Crab is celebrated for its seasonal transformations that continue to captivate onlookers throughout the year, from a showcase of flowers in the spring to the visually enjoyable crabapples and striking foliage that provide color and texture to gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Wisley Crab Apple
Common names
Malus 'Wisley Crab'.
ToxicityTo humans
Wisley Crab apples are not considered toxic to humans. In general, the fruit of crabapple trees can be eaten; however, they are usually sour and may not be palatable when raw. It's important to note that eating crabapples in very large quantities could potentially cause stomach upset or discomfort due to their high acidity and tannin content. The seeds, like those in many fruits in the Rosaceae family, do contain amygdalin which can release cyanide when digested, but you would have to consume an abnormally large quantity of seeds for it to be harmful. As long as they're consumed in reasonable amounts, Wisley Crab apples should not pose a significant risk of poisoning to humans.
To pets
Wisley Crab apples are generally considered safe for pets in small quantities. The fruit itself isn't toxic, but like in humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. However, a pet would have to eat a large number of seeds to be affected. Eating crabapples might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting, especially if the pet isn't used to eating this type of fruit. As always, it's best to introduce any new food into your pet's diet gradually and in moderation, and keep a lookout for any sign of digestive distress or unusual behavior.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Interest: The Wisley Crabapple produces beautiful white or pink blossoms that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Wildlife: Provides food and habitat for birds and other wildlife, which can help with pest control and biodiversity.
- Seasonal Variety: Offers a variety of seasonal changes, from flowers in spring to fruit in autumn and leaf color changes.
- Shade and Shelter: Can offer shade in sunny areas and shelter for wildlife or smaller plants underneath its canopy.
- Pollination Support: Blossoms provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Edible Fruit: Produces small crabapples that can be used in jellies, preserves, and other culinary creations.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can be relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less water than some other ornamental plants.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: Wisley Crab apples provide food and shelter for various birds and insects, aiding in biodiversity and ecosystem balance.
- Woodworking: The hard wood of the Wisley Crab can be used to craft small wooden objects such as handles and knobs due to its fine grain and durability.
- Natural Dye: The fruit and leaves of the Wisley Crab may be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering hues ranging from yellow to green, depending on the mordant used.
- Photography Subject: The vibrant blossoms and fruit of the Wisley Crab make it a popular choice for photographers and artists capturing the beauty of nature.
- Living Fences: Wisley Crab trees can be planted in a row to form a dense, thorny barrier that can act as a natural fence, providing both privacy and security.
- Educational Tool: The tree can be used to educate students or enthusiasts about plant biology, grafting techniques, and the importance of pollinators in the ecosystem.
- Fruit Vinegar: The crab apples from the Wisley Crab can be fermented into a sharp-tasting vinegar which can be used in salad dressings or as a cleaning agent.
- Winter Interest: During the colder months, the persistent fruit provides a striking visual contrast in a bare garden landscape.
- Soil Improvement: Fallen leaves and decomposing fruit contribute to soil health by adding organic matter and nutrients back into the soil as they decompose.
- Ink Production: The tannins present in the bark and fruit can be used to make natural ink for writing and drawing.
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: The 'Wisley Crab' apple, with its attractive blossoms, often symbolizes beauty and the appreciation of external appearance.
- Love: Apple trees in general are frequently associated with love and sometimes with forbidden fruits, possibly reflecting the story of Adam and Eve in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
- Peace: In different cultures, apple trees can signify peace, perhaps due to the calming effect of sitting under an apple tree in full bloom.
- Rebirth and Renewal: The 'Wisley Crab' apple's cycle of dormancy in winter followed by a burst of flowers in the spring reflects the ideas of rebirth and renewal.
- Magic and Mystery: Due to the transformative process from flower to fruit, apple trees can embody elements of magic and the mystery of nature's processes.
- Fertility: The abundance of fruit produced by 'Wisley Crab' apple trees signifies fertility and plenty.
WaterWisley Crabapple trees should be watered deeply once a week during their first growing season to help establish a strong root system. After the first year, they typically require less frequent watering, with supplemental water needed only during prolonged dry spells. Apply about 1 to 1.5 inches of water, which equates to roughly 0.623 to 0.934 gallons per square foot every week during the growing season, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Increase watering during hot, dry weather and decrease it during rainy periods to maintain proper soil moisture levels.
LightWisley Crabapple trees prefer full sun conditions, meaning they should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a spot in the landscape that is unobstructed by buildings or taller trees to ensure ample light exposure, which is crucial for the tree's growth and flower production. Dappled afternoon shade can be tolerated but may affect the tree's blossoming and fruiting potential.
TemperatureWisley Crabapple trees thrive in a range of temperature conditions and are quite hardy, tolerating winter temperatures down to approximately -20°F and summer temperatures well into the 90s°F. The ideal growing temperatures for these trees are generally between 60°F and 75°F. It's important to avoid planting in locations where temperatures may consistently exceed these ranges, as extreme heat or cold can stress the tree.
PruningWisley Crabapple trees are pruned to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and to encourage better air circulation and light penetration within the canopy. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. It is not required annually, but monitoring the tree's growth and pruning as necessary, typically every few years, will help maintain its health and appearance. Remove crossing branches, suckers, and any growth that detracts from the tree's structure.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWisley Crabapple thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. For best results, mix loamy garden soil with compost and peat moss to improve fertility and structure.
RepottingWisley Crabapples do not commonly require repotting as they are usually grown outdoors; for young trees in containers, repotting every 2-3 years is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingWisley Crabapple prefers outdoor conditions and does not require specific humidity levels; average outdoor humidity is suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun by a large window and ensure ample space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Wisley Crabapple begins its life cycle as a dormant seed, which, when subjected to suitable conditions of stratification, will germinate and sprout. Following germination, the seedling grows into a young sapling, developing a root system and foliage as it becomes established. As the tree matures, it enters a period of vegetative growth, building a sturdy trunk and branching canopy over several years. During the reproductive stage, typically in spring, the Wisley Crabapple produces blossoms that are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of its characteristic crabapples. These fruits contain seeds that, when dispersed, can begin a new cycle of life for the species. In autumn, the tree enters a period of senescence, shedding leaves and entering dormancy to survive winter conditions, repeating this annual cycle throughout its lifetime.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Malus 'Wisley Crab', commonly known as the Wisley Crabapple, is most effectively propagated by grafting. Grafting is usually done in the late winter to early spring, just before active growth begins. This method involves taking a piece of stem with leaf buds, called a scion, from a desired parent plant and joining it to a rooted plant or rootstock. The scion and the rootstock are cut at matching angles so they fit tightly together, then they are taped or bound until the graft heals and the two parts grow together as one plant. This technique enables the propagation of the exact genetic clone of the parent Wisley Crabapple, ensuring the desirable traits are preserved in the new tree. Grafting is beneficial for Wisley Crabapple as it provides resistance to certain soil-borne diseases that might affect seed-grown trees.
