Crabapple Malus toringo 'Scarlett'
ABOUT
The plant in question, commonly known as the crabapple ‘Scarlett’, is distinguished by its striking foliage and blossoms. The leaves are a unique feature, emerging in spring as a vibrant shade of reddish-purple, providing a bold contrast to the more typical greens found in gardens. As the seasons progress, the foliage transitions, with the leaves taking on a more subdued green hue with undertones of their earlier purple, and finally settling into an attractive bronzy-green shade by the summer. Upon the arrival of fall, the foliage once again transforms, this time adopting warm autumnal tones that can include reds and oranges, adding a splash of color to the garden landscape. Flowering typically occurs in spring, and the crabapple 'Scarlett' is no exception, showcasing an abundance of flowers. The buds start as a dark pink color and, when in bloom, the flowers reveal a lighter pink to almost white petals. These blossoms provide not only visual appeal but also attract pollinators like bees to the garden. Additionally, the plant produces small, ornamental fruits that persist into the winter. These crabapples are tiny and can be red or purple, adding yet another layer of visual interest and serving as a food source for birds during the colder months. The branching habit of the crabapple 'Scarlett' contributes to its ornamental value, with twigs and branches creating a pleasing silhouette against the winter sky. Overall, the crabapple 'Scarlett' is appreciated for its year-round beauty and its ability to enhance the appeal of any garden space with its changing colors and seasonal features.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Scarlett Toringo Crabapple, Scarlett Siebold's Crabapple, Red Toringo Crabapple, Japanese Crabapple.
Common names
Malus toringo 'Scarlett'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Malus toringo 'Scarlett', commonly known as Crabapple, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, the seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when metabolized. If ingested in large enough quantities, the seeds can cause symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which can include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, can be lethal. It's rare for humans to experience severe poisoning from crabapple seeds because one would need to consume a large number of seeds and chew them thoroughly to release the cyanide. The flesh of the fruit is not poisonous and is typically safe to eat.
To pets
The Crabapple tree, specifically the Malus toringo 'Scarlett', is similarly toxic to pets as it is to humans. The primary concern is with the seeds, which contain amygdalin. When ingested and metabolized, amygdalin can release cyanide, leading to symptoms of cyanide poisoning such as salivation, difficulty breathing, seizures, and even coma. In severe cases, ingesting a large quantity of crabapple seeds could be fatal to pets. However, just like with humans, the flesh of the crabapple fruits is generally safe for pets to eat in moderation. It is always advisable to keep a close eye on pets and prevent them from consuming seeds or parts of plants that are not known to be safe.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15-20 feet (4.6-6 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.6-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: The Crabapple 'Scarlett' is known for its beautiful, deep pink blossoms that enhance any landscape with vibrant color.
- Seasonal interest: With flowers in spring, fruits in summer and fall, and striking foliage colors in autumn, it provides year-round visual interest.
- Wildlife attraction: The tree's fruits attract birds and other wildlife, creating a dynamic ecosystem in gardens and landscapes.
- Compact size: Its relatively small stature makes it suitable for urban gardens or smaller spaces where a full-sized tree would be impractical.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, this variety of Crabapple can tolerate periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low maintenance: It generally requires minimal pruning and care once it is established, making it an easy addition for busy gardeners.
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: Malus toringo 'Scarlett' can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small wildlife within its dense branches.
- Bonsai: With its attractive leaves and growth habit, this plant can be trained as a bonsai specimen, offering a miniature landscape aesthetic.
- Photography Backdrop: The vibrant pink blossoms of this plant can serve as a stunning backdrop for photographers, especially in spring.
- Educational Tool: Educators can use Malus toringo 'Scarlett' to teach students about plant biology, pollination, and the lifecycle of trees.
- Landscape Design: Its unique shape and changing seasonal colors make it a striking feature in landscape designs and ornamental gardens.
- Woodworking: The wood of Malus toringo 'Scarlett' can be used for small woodworking projects like crafting tools or turned objects.
- Culinary Decoration: The flowers are sometimes used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts, adding a splash of color and a subtle floral flavor.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the tree's striking springtime blossoms or its autumnal colored leaves for various forms of art.
- Film and Theatre: The plant can be used on sets as a prop or as part of a scene to evoke a particular season or setting.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Branches from Malus toringo 'Scarlett' can be used in decorations for festivals or during holidays like Easter to symbolize spring and renewal.
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 Malus toringo 'Scarlett', commonly known as the Crabapple, is often admired for its attractive blooms and fruits, symbolizing beauty and appreciation for the aesthetically pleasing aspects of nature.
- Renewal: Crabapples are one of the early bloomers in spring, representing the idea of new beginnings and the cycle of rebirth and renewal.
- Love: In some cultures, the crabapple can be a token of love, possibly due to its heart-shaped fruits or the beauty of its flowers.
- Protection: Crabapple trees have been planted around homes for centuries, thought to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, signifying protection.
- Peace: The serene beauty of the crabapple blossoms can be symbolic of peace and tranquility, offering a sense of calmness and relaxation to those who gaze upon it.
WaterThe Japanese Crabapple, or Malus toringo 'Scarlett', should be watered deeply once a week, providing approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time. During the growing season, the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. In periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to twice a week. During the winter months, you can reduce watering as the plant's water requirements decrease. Always check the top few inches of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightThe Japanese Crabapple prefers full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate some light shade, too little sun can hinder its flowering and fruit production.
TemperatureThe Japanese Crabapple is hardy and can withstand a temperature range from approximately -20°F to 100°F, with ideal growth temperatures being between 60°F and 75°F. These temperature conditions allow the tree to go through its natural dormancy in winter and thrive during the growing season.
PruningPrune the Japanese Crabapple in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain its shape, remove any dead or diseased wood, and encourage better air circulation. Thinning out congested branches every few years allows light to penetrate the canopy, enhancing flowering and fruiting. Pruning at this dormant time reduces stress on the tree and is ideal for healing pruning cuts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCrabapple 'Scarlett' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand is ideal to maintain good drainage and aeration.
RepottingCrabapple 'Scarlett' trees, being outdoor plants, are not usually repotted. Instead, they can be replanted every few years if needed to refresh the soil or to relocate the tree.
Humidity & MistingCrabapple 'Scarlett' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Unsuitable for indoor growth due to size and light needs.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Malus toringo 'Scarlett', commonly known as the Sargent Crabapple, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon sprouting, the seedling develops a root system and foliage, growing into a young sapling. As it matures, the Sargent Crabapple develops a woody stem and branches, entering its vegetative stage. Flowering occurs in spring, showcasing white to pale pink blossoms that attract pollinators and result in fruit set. The tree produces small crabapples that, once ripe, fall to the ground or are consumed by wildlife, dispersing the seeds to start a new generation. Throughout its life, which can span several decades, the Sargent Crabapple may undergo periods of growth, dormancy, and pruning, to sustain its health and vigor.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The Crabapple 'Scarlett' (Malus toringo 'Scarlett') is commonly propagated through the method of grafting. This is typically done in late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins. Grafting involves taking a scion, which is a cutting from a desirable parent tree that includes at least one bud, and attaching it to a rootstock. The rootstock is selected based on its compatibility with the scion and its ability to confer certain benefits, such as disease resistance or a specific growth habit. The scion is carefully joined to a cut in the rootstock so that the cambium layers, or the actively growing tissue of both the scion and rootstock, align. This union is then secured and sealed with grafting tape or wax to prevent desiccation and infection. Over time, the tissues grow together, and the scion develops into a new tree with the desired characteristics of the Crabapple 'Scarlett'.
