Red Jewel Crabapple

Red Jewel Crabapple (Malus 'Red Jewel')

Red Jewel Crabapple (Malus 'Red Jewel') is a compact ornamental tree celebrated for its profusion of white spring flowers and exceptionally persistent, bright red fruit that lasts through winter. With its manageable size and reliable performance, this crabapple adds four-season beauty to residential gardens, commercial landscapes, and streetscapes. It is especially prized for its disease resistance and decorative value during the colder months.

Distinctive Features

'Red Jewel' produces clusters of fragrant white blooms in mid-spring, creating a clean, elegant floral display. As the flowers fade, glossy green foliage fills out the rounded canopy. The standout feature is its brilliant cherry-red fruit, which remains vibrant on the tree well into winter, even as snow falls. This tree typically grows 15 to 18 feet tall with a symmetrical, upright form, making it ideal for smaller spaces.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained soils; tolerant of clay and a variety of pH levels
• Water: Moderate; water deeply during establishment
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Year-round interest with flowers, fruit, and form
• Winter Interest: Bright red fruit offers vivid contrast against snow and bare branches
• Front Yards: Welcoming ornamental tree near entries and walkways
• Wildlife Gardens: Provides food for birds throughout fall and winter
• Compact Landscapes: Excellent for tight spaces or under utility lines

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Regular moisture during establishment; tolerant of brief dry periods after
• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; shape in late winter if desired
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer in spring to support flowering and growth
• Mulching: Keep a mulch ring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Disease Resistance: Excellent resistance to apple scab and fire blight

Why Choose Red Jewel Crabapple?

• Winter Color: Red fruit clings through snow and cold, creating a vivid seasonal display
• Compact Form: Ideal for small yards, gardens, and urban sites
• Low Maintenance: Minimal care required once established
• Wildlife Friendly: Attracts birds and pollinators throughout the year
• Focal Point: Four-season ornamental value in a dependable and refined form

Malus 'Red Jewel' is a standout choice for adding color and form to smaller landscapes. Its long-lasting fruit, pristine blooms, and tidy structure make it a versatile and dependable ornamental tree with strong year-round appeal.