Thanks to its diverse attributes, crabapple is an impressive multi-season tree. With magical spring blossoms, magnificent leaves and edible fruits, Malus hybrids offer a wide range of possible uses. You can find out what these are here.
How to use crabapple trees?
Crabapple trees are used as a decorative reception committee in the front garden, privacy hedge, shade in the pot on the balcony and in the kitchen to prepare jam, jelly and syrup. They are also very popular as bonsai.
Decorative reception committee in the front yard
In the creative front garden, a crabapple as a shrub and standard tree perfectly welcomes your guests at any time of the year. Since it is limited to a maximum height of 400 to 600 cm, a bright, open appearance is maintained. Combined with floribunda roses, lavender, daylilies and monkshood, there is always something for the viewer to discover.
Protection from prying eyes as a hedge
If you're interested in a privacy hedge that, in addition to its function, has impressive decorative value, you'll find what you're looking for at ornamental apples. Thanks to their robust tolerance to cutting, majestic Malus hybrids maintain the desired shape as hedges over the years. These varieties are particularly suitable for this type of use:
- Evereste: The first choice of crabapple variety for the impressive flower and fruit hedge
- Professor Sprengler: An excellent choice as part of a loose, mixed natural hedge
- Dark Rosaleen: Impresses with up to 700 cm height, semi-double flowers and wine-red fruits
Please plan the late winter months of January and February as the date for central shape and maintenance pruning. At this leafless time, cutting can be particularly precise.
Shade on the balcony
Placed in the bucket next to the seat on the balcony, a crabapple bush filters the sunlight. For this purpose, primarily use the magnificent dwarf varieties 'Tina' and 'Pom Zai'. With a maximum height of 150 cm, these beauties do not exceed their dimensions even after years.
Fruity ingredient in nature-loving cuisine
The close botanical relationship with the garden apple gives us another possible use. Since crabapples are all edible, you can use them to conjure up tart, fruity jam, sour jelly and invigorating syrup. You can even snack on varieties with relatively large fruits, such as 'Golden Hornet', fresh from the tree.
Tip
Thanks to its furious spring blossoms, bonsai fans have taken the crabapple to their hearts. First and foremost, Japanese Malus hybrids have the potential to become mini trees, such as the charming dwarf variety 'Pom Zai'. All other small-fruited crabapple species are also suitable for this ancient garden art, such as Malus floribunda and Malus hallianda.
