The Sargent Crab Apple (Malus sargentii) is a compact ornamental shrub celebrated for its abundant white spring flowers and bright red fruit that persists into winter. A top choice among gardeners, it provides year-round visual interest—fragrant blooms in spring, glossy green foliage in summer, and a stunning display of berries in fall.
This hardy, low-maintenance shrub attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and songbirds, making it a favorite in pollinator and wildlife-friendly gardens. Its small size and dense branching make it ideal for hedges, borders, or standalone garden features.
Features
- Beautiful Blooms: Covered in fragrant white flowers in spring.
- Vibrant Red Fruits: Small decorative crabapples persist through fall and winter.
- Wildlife Magnet: Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and birds.
- Compact Size: Perfect for smaller gardens, borders, and patios.
- Hardy and Resilient: Tolerates cold climates and various soil types.
Specifications
- Common Name: Sargent Crabapple
- Scientific Name: Malus sargentii
- Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental shrub/tree
- USDA Zones: 4 – 8
- Mature Height: 6 – 10 ft (1.8 – 3 m)
- Spread: 10 – 15 ft (3 – 4.5 m)
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well-drained loamy soil
- Watering: Moderate; prefers evenly moist conditions
- Bloom Time: Spring (April–May)
- Fruit: Small red crabapples, ¼–½ inch
- Flower Color: White
- Foliage Color: Green turning yellow in fall
- GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Origin: Japan
Planting Guide
- Seed Preparation: Stratify seeds in moist sand for 60–90 days at 35–40°F (refrigerator).
- Sowing Depth: ¼ inch deep in well-draining seed mix.
- Light Requirements: Full sun for best flowering and fruiting.
- Temperature: 65–75°F for germination after stratification.
- Transplanting: Move seedlings to larger pots or garden beds once 3–4 inches tall.
- Spacing: 8–10 ft apart.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for vigorous growth.
