Sugar Tyme Crabapple

Sugar Tyme Crabapple (Malus 'Sutyzam')

Sugar Tyme Crabapple (Malus 'Sutyzam') is a compact, upright ornamental tree valued for its long-lasting white blooms, persistent red fruit, and strong disease resistance. This dependable cultivar brings four-season appeal with its neat branching, fragrant spring flowers, rich green summer foliage, and winter interest from bright fruit. Ideal for smaller spaces and high-visibility plantings, it delivers beauty without demanding high maintenance.

Distinctive Features

Sugar Tyme produces a heavy display of fragrant, snow-white blossoms in mid-spring that nearly cover the tree. As the flowers fade, small red fruit forms and remains on the branches into winter, providing seasonal interest and food for birds. Its upright, rounded habit matures to about 15 to 20 feet tall and wide. The dark green foliage holds its color well through summer and turns yellow in fall, offering a balanced and tidy appearance throughout the growing season.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy conditions
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during dry periods
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Crisp white flowers and winter fruit make a striking seasonal centerpiece
• Small Landscapes: Compact size is ideal for urban lots and narrow spaces
• Foundation Planting: Uniform habit fits well near buildings and patios
• Wildlife Gardens: Persistent fruit attracts songbirds during winter
• Cottage or Traditional Gardens: Timeless charm and fragrance for structured designs

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly the first year; drought tolerant once established
• Pruning: Minimal; prune in winter to shape or remove crossing branches
• Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring as needed
• Mulching: Maintain mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture
• Disease Resistance: Excellent resistance to scab, rust, mildew, and fire blight

Why Choose Sugar Tyme Crabapple?

• Four-Season Appeal: Flowers in spring, fruit in fall and winter, and reliable form year-round
• Compact Size: Fits perfectly into small gardens and residential settings
• Bird-Friendly: Red fruit attracts wildlife through the cold months
• Highly Resistant: Strong performance in disease-prone regions
• Focal Point: A reliable and elegant tree for prominent planting areas

Malus 'Sutyzam', known as Sugar Tyme Crabapple, is an excellent option for those seeking a manageable, low-maintenance tree that still delivers showy seasonal color and strong structure. With clean foliage, lasting fruit, and compact growth, it stands out as one of the best ornamental crabapple selections for modern landscapes.