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 × scheideckeri is a hybrid crabapple resulting from a cross between M. floribunda and M. prunifolia. Mature plants will take on a vase-shaped habit and reach 20-30' tall with a similar spread. Pale pink, double blooms can reach around 1.5" wide.
Genus name from Latin is an ancient name for apple.
‘Red Jade’ is a weeping, white-flowered crabapple that typically matures to 12-15’ tall and to 20’ wide. It is noted for its weeping shape, white flowers and red fruit. It is susceptible to a number of diseases (see Problems below). White buds tinged with pink open in spring to white flowers (to 1 1/2” diameter). Flowers are followed by bright red crabapples (to 5/8” diameter) that mature in fall and may persist into winter. Birds are attracted to the fruit. Fruit may be harvested for jellies. Glossy, tapered, medium green leaves (to 3 1/2” long). Branches weep close to the ground. ‘Red Jade’ was discovered in 1935 as an open pollinated seedling of M. ‘Exzellenz Thiel’. U.S. Plant Patent PP1,497 issued July 17, 1956.
Problems
Generally susceptible to fireblight, scab and powdery mildew. Moderate susceptibility to leaf spot. Good resistance to rust. Potential insect pests are of lesser concern and include tent caterpillars, aphids, Japanese beetles, borers and scale. Spider mites may occur.
Uses
Plant as a specimen in an area where its weeping shape can be appreciated.