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 sargentii, commonly known as Sargent crabapple as a dense, spreading, horizontally-branched, deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub that may technically be grown as a dwarf tree. As a shrub, it typically grows 6-8' tall with no central leader and spreads to 15' wide. Pink buds open to a profuse, but brief, spring bloom of fragrant, white flowers (1" diameter). Profuse bloom often occurs only in alternate years. Flowers are followed by small, red crabapples (1/4" diameter) which mature in the fall. The pea-sized fruits are sweet-flavored like rose hips, but are not usually used in cooking. Fruits are long-lasting and attractive to birds, however. Ovate, lobed, dark green leaves turn yellow in autumn. The yellow fall color contrasts well with the red fruit.
May be listed as synonymous with Malus toringo subsp. sargentii.
Genus name from Latin is an ancient name for apple.
Specific epithet honors Charles Sprague Sargent (1841-1927), first director of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University.
'Tina' is a densely-branched, spreading, deciduous, dwarf shrub which typically grows smaller than the species, namely to 4-5' tall. Pink buds open to a profuse spring bloom of fragrant, white flowers (1" diameter). Flowers are followed by small, red crabapples (1/4" diameter) which mature in the fall. The pea-sized fruits are long-lasting and attractive to birds. Ovate, lobed, dark green leaves.
Problems
Sargent crabapple generally has good disease resistance. Minor susceptibility to apple scab, leaf spot and fire blight. Potential insect pests are of lesser concern and include tent caterpillars, aphids, Japanese beetles, borers, spider mites and scale.
'Tina' has excellent disease resistance. Minor susceptibility to apple scab, leaf spot and fire blight.
Uses
A dwarf cultivar which is effective as a small specimen or in groups when planted in borders, near fences or as a low screen or hedge.