When I was in the fourth grade I lived in Maryland. Near our home the center road divider had the most magnificent crabapple trees growing. In the Spring they bloomed in profusion. In Summer they produced two inch sized green and blushed red crabapples which I loved to eat. In the Fall their leaves turned beautiful colors. In Winter their symmetrical branches held the snow.
Ever since then I wanted to grow a crabapple tree in my garden but never have; that is till now.
Much to my delight a tree I thought was a decidious holly is actually a crabapple tree and it's growing in our yard. This particular variety produces tiny almost pea sized red apples but I'm sure the birds love them.
Our tree had a couple of sucker branches at the bottom which we cut off but they wilted immediately. I guess crabapple blossoms are meant to be enjoyed on the tree and not in a vase. I think I'll search out for a pink flowering variety of a crabapple to add another tree to grow beside this one. Do you have any suggestions as to a variety I might choose? Oh, I just discovered this
list of varieties compiled by the Colorado Extension Service. Looks like
Prairiefire might be a good choise. Now to see if I can find one. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
You are lucky to have a tree that is a favorite of yours! And I'm sure spring will surprise you this year, as all kinds of great plants pop forth in the woods around you! ENjoy!
ReplyDeleteMy childhood memories of crabapple trees are the boys at our bus stop throwing the crabapples at the girls!
ReplyDeleteYour tree is beautiful. I love this time of year in the South, it's warm and things are blooming.
What a lovely surprise for you in new home! It looks like it's in a good location. Things are just starting to bud here!
ReplyDeleteAny tree that flowers in spring is perfect. Can't have too many colors, either.
ReplyDeleteI love crabapples. We had a glorious pink one which we lost this summer. Too hot, too dry. I grieve for that tree - and will replace it.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, thanks, I am so looking forward to all that I don't know that is growing here waiting to be surprised.
ReplyDeleteHi Michele, thanks, I can remember that the crabapples were pretty sour but I like them non the less. I am sure a few were thrown around.
Hi Suzi, thanks, oh so glad spring is coming to you too. We are enjoying the display of flowers around us.
Hi Joanne, thanks, you are so right, I would like a pink one to contrast against all the white that is blooming.
Hi Elephant's Child, thanks, oh so sorry you lost your favorite one, it is sad to loose trees more than smaller plants I think since they take so long to grow.
That tree is gorgeous. I have two Crabapple trees in the back yard at my Idaho house. I hope they are blooming when I go there in a couple of weeks.
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