Common Name: flowering crabapple
Type: Tree
Family: Rosaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Height: 15.00 to 30.00 feet
Spread: 15.00 to 30.00 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Description: Reddish-pink
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Flowering Tree
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Colorful
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies
Fruit: Showy, Edible
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerate: Air Pollution
Culture
Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained, acidic loams in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Established trees have some drought tolerance. Although some flowers may be lost, it is best to prune this tree as needed in late winter. Spring pruning should be avoided as it produces fresh, open cuts where fireblight bacterium can enter.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Malus is a genus of about 35 species of deciduous trees and shrubs from Europe, Asia and North America.
Genus name from Latin is an ancient name for apple.
‘Radiant’ is a rounded crabapple that matures to 20-30’ tall. Red buds give way to single, deep reddish-pink flowers (to 1 3/4” diameter) that bloom in spring (April). Flowers are followed by bright red crabapples (to 1/2” diameter) that mature in fall. Crabapples persist on the tree into winter, providing additional interest. Birds are attracted to the fruit. Toothed leaves emerge reddish purple in spring but mature to green by summer. Cultivar name is in reference to the appearance of the brightly colored buds and flowers.
Problems
The main diseases of crabapple are scab, fire blight, rusts, leaf spot and powdery mildew. Potential insect pests are of lesser concern and include tent caterpillars, aphids, Japanese beetles, borers and scale. Spider mites may occur.
‘Radiant’ is susceptible to scab, but shows good resistance to the other diseases.
Uses
Plant as a specimen/accent or in small groups. General landscape use.