Picture a tree that not only brings a burst of vivid hues in the spring season, but also adds a distinct architectural feature to your outdoor surroundings.
Picture a tree that provides visual interest throughout the year, and a tree that attracts a variety of birds and pollinators. This is no ordinary tree; this is a weeping crabapple tree.
With their cascading branches and compact size, weeping crabapple trees are a stunning addition to any garden or landscape.
How big does a weeping crabapple tree get? Weeping crabapple trees are typically compact, with most varieties reaching a height and width of 10-15 feet. However, the size can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions. Despite their smaller stature, these trees make a big impact with their unique weeping form and vibrant blossoms.
Let’s explore the key characteristics of weeping crabapple trees, some of the most popular varieties, and tips on how to care for these unique trees.
Key Takeaways
- Weeping crabapple trees are compact, deciduous trees known for their unique weeping form, lovely spring blossoms, attractive foliage, and colorful fruits.
- There are many popular varieties of weeping crabapple trees, including the Louisa, Pendula, Royal Beauty, Rosy Glo, Red Jade, Red Bud, Sun Rival, Crimson Cascade, and Molten Lava.
- Weeping crabapple trees prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Despite their unique form and stunning visual appeal, weeping crabapple trees are relatively low in maintenance requirements, making them a great addition to any landscape.
With so many gorgeous crabapple trees to choose from, it’s easy to overlook the tried-and-true favorites. I cover them fully in my comprehensive article, Best Crabapple Varieties.
Characteristics of Weeping Crabapple Trees
Weeping crabapple trees are a group of compact, deciduous trees that are prized for their unique weeping form, spring blossoms, attractive foliage, and colorful fruits.
Growth Habit and Form
Weeping crabapple trees are known for their unique growth habit. Unlike most trees that grow upright, these trees have branches that cascade down, creating a weeping effect.
This gives the tree a unique architectural quality, making it a standout feature in the yard or garden.
Most varieties reach a height and spread of 10-15 feet, making them an ideal choice for small properties with limited space.
Blossoms and Foliage
Weeping crabapple trees are a spectacle to behold during the spring season.
They produce an abundance of blossoms that can vary in color from pristine white to various hues of pink and red, depending on the variety.
These blossoms not only create a visual feast but also emit a delightful fragrance that fills the spring air.
As the blossoms fade, the trees put forth their foliage, which is typically a lush green, serving as an attractive backdrop for the forthcoming fruits.
Fruit Production
One of the highlights of weeping crabapple trees is their prolific production of fruits.
These fruits, commonly known as crabapples, are smaller than typical apples and exhibit colors ranging from golden yellow to bright red, contingent on the variety.
The fruits emerge in late summer and persist into the fall and sometimes even into winter, adding a pop of color during the colder months.
Although the fruits are generally considered too tart to eat fresh, they are a favorite among various bird species and other wildlife.
Popular Weeping Crabapple Varieties
There are numerous varieties of weeping crabapple trees, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Louisa Weeping Crabapple
The Louisa weeping crabapple is a charming variety known for its cascading branches and lovely pink blossoms.
It typically grows to a height of 10-15 feet and produces small, yellow fruits that attract a variety of birds.
Pendula Weeping Crabapple
The Pendula weeping crabapple is a classic variety with a graceful weeping form. It produces white blossoms in spring and small, red fruits in fall.
This variety is known for its hardiness and resistance to common crabapple diseases.
Royal Beauty Weeping Crabapple
The Royal Beauty weeping crabapple is a standout variety with its deep-pink blossoms and dark, glossy leaves. It’s a robust and disease-resistant variety that grows to a height of 10-15 feet.
Rosy Glo Weeping Crabapple
The Rosy Glo weeping crabapple is a popular variety known for its vibrant, rose-pink blossoms and attractive, glossy green leaves. This is a hardy tree with a typical height of 10-15 feet.
Red Jade Weeping Crabapple
The Red Jade weeping crabapple is a stunning variety with its cascading branches, white blossoms, and bright-red fruits.
This elegant and disease-resistant variety usually grows to a height of 12-15 feet.
Red Bud Weeping Crabapple
The Red Bud weeping crabapple is a small, rounded tree that grows to a height and width of about 10 feet. It produces white blossoms in spring and small, yellow fruits in fall.
Sun Rival Weeping Crabapple
The Sun Rival weeping crabapple is a small, rounded tree with a cascading growth habit that grows to a height and width of about 10 feet. It produces white blossoms in spring and small, yellow fruits in fall.
Crimson Cascade Weeping Crabapple
The Crimson Cascade weeping crabapple has an arching, cascading habit and reaches a height of 8-10 feet. It’s known for its pinkish-purple blossoms, graceful branching, and fall fruits.
Molten Lava Weeping Crabapple
The Molten Lava weeping crabapple is a compact, rounded tree that reaches a height of 8-10 feet. It’s known for its pink blossoms, glossy-green leaves, and small, red fruits.
Caring for a Weeping Crabapple
While weeping crabapple trees are relatively low in maintenance needs, some care practices can help them thrive and look their best.
Planting Considerations
Weeping crabapple trees prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
They can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils as long as they drain readily. The tree prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH but can tolerate slightly alkaline conditions.
Watering & Fertilization
The weeping crabapple prefers a consistent watering schedule. While it has some drought tolerance once established, it’s best to water the tree regularly, especially during dry spells.
The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root problems.
Pruning & Maintenance
Pruning is an essential part of weeping crabapple care. Regular pruning helps maintain the tree’s shape, promotes better air circulation, and removes dead or diseased wood.
The best time to prune is late winter or early spring when the tree is still dormant but the worst of the winter cold has passed.
Related Questions:
How Long Do Weeping Crabapple Trees Live?
Weeping crabapple trees can live for several decades with proper care.
Their life span can be significantly extended with regular watering, proper fertilization, and timely pruning to remove dead or diseased wood.
Do You Have To Train Weeping Crabapple Trees?
Weeping crabapple trees naturally have a weeping growth habit, so they don’t require training to achieve this form.
However, they may need some pruning to maintain their shape and remove any upright branches that may emerge.
Final Thoughts
Weeping crabapple trees are a unique and captivating addition to any landscape. With their graceful weeping form, vibrant blossoms, and colorful fruits, these trees offer year-round visual interest.
They’re also relatively low-maintenance, making them a great choice for both experienced gardeners and beginners. So why not add a weeping crabapple tree to your yard and enjoy the beauty and charm it brings?
Deciding on the perfect crabapple tree can be tough when there are so many cultivars to choose from. To help you decide, I suggest learning more about these ever-popular trees:
- Dwarf Crabapple Trees: Popular Varieties & Landscaping Ideas
- Sugar Tyme Crabapple: High Ornamental Value & Easy Care