Japanese Crabapple Malus × floribunda
ABOUT
The Japanese flowering crabapple is a visually striking plant known for its impressive springtime display of prolific blooms. The flowers predominantly present themselves in clusters, ranging from pink buds that unfurl into a show of white or pale pink petals. These blooms have a delicate, slightly fragrant nature that can attract various pollinators such as bees and butterflies. As the flowering season fades, the plant flaunts its small, glossy green leaves that offer a lush backdrop for the flowers and, eventually, the small fruit that emerge. The fruit is often a brilliant red or yellow, adding yet another layer of visual interest to the display. Not only is the fruit appealing to the eye, but it also serves as a source of food for birds and other wildlife. In autumn, this plant continues to command attention as the foliage transitions into a medley of vibrant colors including yellows, oranges, and reds, making for a spectacular autumnal show. The overall shape of the plant is broadly rounded, giving it a full, bushy appearance that can provide ample coverage and serve as an attractive focal point in a garden landscape. Its well-defined branching structure adds a pleasing architectural element, especially noticeable during the winter months when the leaves have fallen. As the seasons change, the Japanese flowering crabapple remains a dynamic and enchanting feature in any setting where it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Flowering Crabapple, Purple Chokeberry, Showy Crabapple
Common names
Malus floribunda, Pyrus floribunda.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant Malus × floribunda, commonly known as the Japanese flowering crabapple, is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, like many plants in the Malus genus, its seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when metabolized. Ingesting large quantities of crushed seeds can lead to cyanide poisoning, with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, seizures, coma, or death. It is important to note that normal consumption of the fruit flesh is typically safe, and toxicity is rare since seeds are usually not chewed or consumed in large amounts.
To pets
The plant Malus × floribunda, known as the Japanese flowering crabapple, typically poses minimal risk to pets. The main concern would be the seeds, as they contain amygdalin, which can convert into cyanide when ingested. If a pet were to eat a large amount of seeds, they could experience cyanide poisoning. Symptoms could include difficulty breathing, panting, dilated pupils, and shock. The actual fruit flesh is not considered toxic to pets, and incidences of poisoning are uncommon because it is rare for pets to consume enough seeds to cause an issue.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Malus × floribunda, commonly known as Japanese Crabapple, has vibrant and colorful blossoms that enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers of the Japanese Crabapple attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, which are essential for the pollination of many other plants.
- Wildlife Habitat: The tree provides shelter and food for birds and other wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.
- Shade and Cooling: Japanese Crabapples can offer shade in sunny areas, potentially reducing local temperature and providing a cooler microclimate during hot weather.
- Seasonal Interest: The change in foliage color and fruit presence provides visual interest throughout the seasons, adding diversity to the landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: Japanese flowering crabapple trees can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds, enhancing biodiversity in a garden setting.
- Photography Background: The tree's vivid spring blossoms make it a popular choice for garden and nature photographers looking for a colorful backdrop.
- Educational Tool: Horticultural students and enthusiasts often study the tree to learn about hybridization and ornamental plant breeding techniques.
- Bonsai: With its attractive flowers and branch structure, the Japanese flowering crabapple is sometimes used to create bonsai trees.
- Winter Interest: Even without leaves, the complicated branch patterns and persistent small fruits can add visual interest to landscapes during winter months.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the shapes and colors of the Japanese flowering crabapple's blossoms as subjects for paintings, drawings, and other artistic creations.
- Craft Material: The tree's wood is occasionally used in woodworking and crafts for creating small objects or inlays in furniture.
- Floral Arrangements: The branches, especially when in bloom or bearing fruit, are used in both fresh and dried floral arrangements for decorative purposes.
- Symbolic Plantings: Due to its beauty, the tree is sometimes planted in remembrance gardens or other spaces with symbolic intentions, such as celebrating life or friendship.
- Grafting Rootstock: The Japanese flowering crabapple can serve as a rootstock for grafting certain varieties of domestic apples to create dwarfed trees or to provide disease resistance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese Crabapple is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese Crabapple is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Malus × floribunda, commonly known as the Japanese Flowering Crabapple, is admired for its stunning spring blooms, symbolizing beauty and the aesthetic pleasures of nature.
- Renewal: The Japanese Flowering Crabapple's blossoms herald the arrival of spring, representing new beginnings and the refreshing change of seasons.
- Love: In floral language, the delicate and fragrant blooms of the Japanese Flowering Crabapple are sometimes associated with love and adoration, reflecting the tree's romantic appeal.
- Peace: With its calming presence and harmonious blossoms, the Japanese Flowering Crabapple is often thought to symbolize peace and tranquility in the landscape it graces.
WaterThe Japanese Crabapple should be watered deeply once a week during dry periods without rain, providing about 1 to 2 gallons of water each time for a young tree, depending on its size and soil type. Mature trees will usually require less frequent watering but may need more water at a time, possibly up to 10 gallons every few weeks during the hot season to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. It's important to water the plant at the soil level and avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases. During the winter or in naturally moist climates, watering may be reduced or even unnecessary if precipitation is sufficient.
LightThe Japanese Crabapple thrives in full sunlight. This means it should be planted in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sun each day. This plant will perform best and produce the most flowers when it has ample sun throughout the growing season.
TemperatureThe Japanese Crabapple grows best in temperate climates with a wide temperature range. It can tolerate winter cold down to about -20°F and summer heat up to 100°F. The ideal temperatures for this tree are between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth and flowering.
PruningPrune the Japanese Crabapple during the dormant season, which is late winter or early spring, to remove dead or diseased wood and to maintain shape. Pruning can also help to increase sunlight and air circulation within the canopy, which is beneficial for flower and fruit production. It's typical to prune this tree annually or biennially depending on its growth and the desired shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Japanese Crabapple prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix can be created using two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or sand to improve drainage. It is important to ensure that the soil is fertile and retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged.
RepottingJapanese Crabapples, being predominantly outdoor trees, do not require frequent repotting. They can be repotted every 2-4 years if they are being grown in containers. The best time to repot is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Crabapple trees are adaptable to a range of humidity levels and do well in the average outdoor conditions. They typically do not require specific humidity adjustments, but they do appreciate a location where air circulation is good and they are not in a constantly dry environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoors; requires full sun, pruning, limited space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; water regularly; annual pruning.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Japanese Flowering Crabapple (Malus × floribunda) begins with the germination of seeds, typically following a period of cold stratification which simulates winter conditions. After germination, the seedling emerges and establishes itself, producing a basic root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it develops a woody stem and branches to become a small tree, reaching heights of up to 4-6 meters. The Japanese Flowering Crabapple then enters the flowering stage, producing clusters of pink or red buds that blossom into fragrant white or pink flowers in spring. Following pollination, often by bees, the flowers develop into small crabapples, which can be red, yellow, or green; these fruits may serve as food for wildlife or may fall to the ground and potentially germinate, continuing the cycle. The tree experiences dormancy during the winter months, with leaves turning colors and falling off before the cycle recommences with the next spring's growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: The Japanese flowering crabapple, or Malus × floribunda, is most commonly propagated by grafting, which is ideally performed in late winter to early spring before the plant comes out of dormancy. In this method, a cut is made on both the rootstock and the scion—pieces of branch from the desired Japanese flowering crabapple plant with several buds. These cuts are matched and bound together, usually with grafting tape or wax, allowing the tissues of the two parts to grow together as one plant. This technique ensures that the desirable characteristics of a particular variety are maintained, as seed propagation can result in significant genetic variation. Grafting also allows the grower to choose a rootstock with properties advantageous to the growth habit, disease resistance, or climate adaptability of the Japanese flowering crabapple.
