While “redbud crabapple” might sound like a single plant, it refers to two distinct and popular ornamental trees: the Redbud (Cercis) and the Crabapple (Malus). Both are cherished for their spring blossoms and landscape appeal. This article explores their unique characteristics, key differences, and general planting and care guidelines.
Understanding Redbud Trees
The Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small, deciduous tree native to eastern North America, often growing as an understory tree in forests. It reaches heights of 20 to 30 feet with a similar spread, forming a broad, flat, or rounded crown. Young redbuds tend to have an upright, vase-shaped growth habit.
One of the most striking features of the redbud is its prolific display of purplish-pink, pea-like flowers that emerge in early spring, often before the heart-shaped leaves appear. This phenomenon, known as cauliflory, means flowers can bloom directly from the trunk and older branches. The bloom time can last for about a month. The bark of a mature redbud is dark reddish-brown, scaly, and develops deep fissures, sometimes revealing an orange interior. The leaves are heart-shaped, bright green when they first emerge, turning dark green in summer, and may offer unreliable yellow fall color.
Understanding Crabapple Trees
Crabapple trees, belonging to the genus Malus, encompass a diverse group of small deciduous trees or large shrubs, with over 50 species and hundreds of cultivars. They are primarily grown for their ornamental value, showcasing a wide range of sizes, shapes, and flower and fruit colors. Crabapples grow between 10 to 25 feet tall and wide, though dwarf and columnar varieties exist.
Crabapple flowers appear in spring, often slightly later than redbuds, and can range in color from white to various shades of pink, rose, or red. These blossoms often emerge with or just before the oval leaves. Following the bloom, crabapples produce small, distinctive fruits that are less than 2 inches in diameter, ranging in color from red to yellow to green. These fruits often persist on the tree into winter, providing ornamental interest and a food source for birds and other wildlife. The bark of crabapple trees is gray-brown to reddish-brown and can become gnarled and twisted with age.
Distinguishing Redbuds from Crabapples
While both trees are spring-flowering ornamentals, several characteristics allow for differentiation. Redbuds have unique heart-shaped leaves, contrasting with crabapples’ oval to elliptical leaves, often with serrated margins.
Flowering habit also differs. Redbuds display cauliflory, with small, pea-like flowers emerging directly from the trunk and branches before leaves appear. Crabapple flowers are larger, come in various colors, and grow in clusters on conventional branches, often appearing with or just before leaves unfurl.
Fruit characteristics provide another distinction. Redbuds produce flat, brown, pea-like pods (2 to 4 inches long) that mature in summer. Crabapples develop small, apple-like fruits (under 2 inches in diameter) that persist through winter. Bark also differs: redbud bark is scaly with deep fissures, revealing an an orange interior, while crabapple bark is gray-brown and rougher.
Planting and Care
Both Redbud and Crabapple trees thrive in similar conditions. They both prefer full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though redbuds can tolerate partial shade. Well-drained soil is important for both, as neither tolerates consistently wet conditions. Redbuds are adaptable to various soil pH levels, while crabapples prefer slightly acidic soil.
When planting either tree, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep, with the top of the root ball slightly above ground level. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and continue deep watering weekly for the first year until established, especially during dry periods. Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk, retains moisture and regulates soil temperature. Pruning should focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches, best done in late winter or early spring while dormant, or immediately after blooming for redbuds. Redbuds are low-maintenance and resistant to many pests, but crabapples can be more susceptible to common issues like apple scab or powdery mildew, making disease-resistant cultivars a good choice.