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Cardinal Flowering Crab

Malus 'Cardinal'

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Cardinal Flowering Crab (Malus 'Cardinal') at James Valley Nursery

Cardinal Flowering Crab flowers

Cardinal Flowering Crab flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Cardinal Flowering Crab (Malus 'Cardinal') at James Valley Nursery

Cardinal Flowering Crab in bloom

Cardinal Flowering Crab in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  15 feet

Spread:  20 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  4a

Other Names:  Roseybloom, Crabapple

Description:

This stunning selection at a mature height will be at least as broad, and covered with pinkish red blooms in the spring; lovely deep reddish-purple foliage changes to orange in the fall; is vigorous and disease resistant

Ornamental Features

Cardinal Flowering Crab is covered in stunning clusters of fragrant fuchsia flowers along the branches in mid spring, which emerge from distinctive red flower buds before the leaves. It has attractive deep purple deciduous foliage. The glossy pointy leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding orange in the fall. The fruits are showy dark red pomes carried in abundance from early to late fall.

Landscape Attributes

Cardinal Flowering Crab is a deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Cardinal Flowering Crab is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Shade

Planting & Growing

Cardinal Flowering Crab will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Shade 
Applications
Flowers  Fruit  Foliage Color  Fall Color 
Ornamental Features