Some of the specimens in this collection are almost large enough to be considered shade trees, while others are quite small. As a result of the multi-year evaluation and additions, it has transformed into the West Side Malus collection which now contains 60 different kinds and over 140 specimens with highly desirable qualities. Part of this collection on the West Side participated in the National Crabapple Evaluation Program which evaluated new and disease-resistant varieties. The Arboretum's Crabapple Collection was started in 1924. There are about 55 different species in the genus Malus, and there are innumerable cultivars available in the landscape trade. Many of them are small in stature and can maintain visual interest throughout the changing seasons (spring flowers, fall fruit, textured bark and craggy branches in winter).
Grows best in full sun, and is most attractive when fed peat moss and compost.Ĭrabapples (Malus) are the most stunning of spring flowering trees for Midwest landscapes and are a great choice for the home garden. Royal Raindrops crab tolerates wet soil, rabbits, deer and pollution, but is not disease resistant. They are somewhat winter persistant, about the size of a cherry. Royal Raindrops fruits are deep, shiny red. This specimen was photographed on May 8th, near Chicago. Red buds open to profuse, deep pink flowers in early to mid-May. Royal Raindrops crabapple is a broad-crowned deciduous tree growing to 25 feet tall and 20 wide.