| I'm interested in buying a crab apple tree this year but didn't realize there are so many types. I'd like it to have a good bloom for spring color (not too dark colored), but I'd also like to be able to use the crab apples. I have a weakness for their sour taste. Which type is best? Or should I get a regular apple tree instead? Thanks! |
| Would you believe there are over 800 cultivars of crabapples and more are being developed each year? No wonder you're having trouble deciding which one to grow! I'd choose one of the more disease resistant varieties. The following list represents some that are disease-resistant to varying degrees: ?Adams? - This tree grows 20 to 25 feet. The annual buds are red, the flowers are dull pink and the small fruit is red. It is resistant to scab, rust and powdery mildew. ?Autumn Glory? - This tree grows in an upright form to 12 feet. The red buds open to white flowers, and the small fruit is bright orange-red. It is resistant to fire blight, powdery mildew, rust and scab. ?Adirondack? - This tree grows 16 feet tall and 12 feet wide. The annual red buds open to white flowers, and the small fruits are orange-red. It is resistant to scab, rust and powdery mildew. ?Centurion? - This tree grows 25 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. The red buds open to rose-red flowers, and the fruit is small and glossy cherry-red. It is resistant to scab, rust and powdery mildew. ?Callaway? - This is one of the favorite white-flowered crabapples for gardens in South Carolina. The pink bud becomes a white flower, and the large (1? inch) fruit is red. It grows 15 to 25 feet tall. Reports of disease resistance are varied. ?Indian Magic? - This tree grows 15 to 20 feet tall and wide. The red buds open dark pink, and the small fruit is red, changing to orange. It is resistant to scab, rust and powdery mildew. ?Indian Summer? - This tree grows 18 to 20 feet tall. It has rose-red flowers, and the small fruit is bright red. It is resistant to fire blight. ?Mary Potter? - This small tree grows 10 to 15 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. The biennial dark pink bud opens to a white flower, and the small fruit is red. It is resistant to scab, rust and powdery mildew. ?Molten Lava? - This tree has a weeping form and grows about 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide. The annual deep red buds open to white flowers, and the small fruit is red-orange. It is resistant to fire blight, powdery mildew, rust and scab. ?Prairifire? - This tree grows 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide. The red buds open to dark pinkish-red blooms, and the small fruit is red-purple. It is resistant to fire blight. ?Professor Sprenger? - This tree grows 26 feet tall and 20 feet wide. The pink buds open to white flowers, and the small fruit is orange-red. It is resistant to powdery mildew, rust and scab. ?Red Baron? - This tree grows about 20 feet tall and 12 feet wide. The deep red buds open to pink flowers, and the small fruit is dark red. It is resistant to scab, rust and powdery mildew. ?Tina? - This is a low-spreading dwarf selection that grows 6 to 8 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide. The pink buds open to white flowers, and the small fruit is red. It is resistant to fire blight, powdery mildew, rust and scab. Hope you find just the right tree! |
