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Malus 'Malusquest'

Status: In stock

Product ID#: cpspa
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Starting at: $333.99
Product Description
Sun Exposure Sun
Bloom Time Spring
Soil Conditions Normal, Sandy, Clay/Heavy
Fall Color Yellow
Flower Color White, Pink
Fruit Color Red
Mature Plant Size (H x W) 12-15' x 10-12'
Attract admiration to your landscape with the Pink Sparkles® crabapple tree, an exciting cross of Prairifire and Red Jewel crabapples. Pink Sparkles® crabapple trees are famous for their soft pink flowers complemented by clean, light-green foliage and produce long-lasting, vibrant red decorative fruit. The bright, cherry red fruit of the tree will last the entire winter and remain vibrant even into spring, making it a headliner in your landscape’s lineup of greenery. Reaching a mature height of around 10’, a group of flowering crabapple trees on your lawn will make a great first impression.

Own A Vibrant Pink Crabapple Tree from McKay Nursery

Here at McKay Nursery, we offer an extensive selection of beautiful trees, including the eye-catching Pink Sparkles® flowering crabapple tree. Located in Waterloo, Wisconsin, our nursery is committed to growing hardy and vibrant plants for your landscaping needs.

Order your very own pink crabapple tree today and bring a vibrant spark of color to your landscape! For more information, contact us at [email protected] or call us at 920-478-2121.
  • sunshade Sun
  • Mature Plant Size (H x W) Mature Plant Size (H x W): 12-15' x 10-12'
  • Bloom Season Bloom Season: Spring
Key features
  • Attracts Birds
  • Salt Tolerant
  • Winter Interest
  • Attractive Fruit
  • Attracts Pollinators
Planting Care

Planting & Care for Pink Sparkles Crabapple Trees (Malus Malusquest)

Preparation
  • The Pink Sparkles® Crabapple produces abundant red berries that attract wildlife and provide winter interest.
  • Prune as needed in late winter to avoid creating open wounds in the spring.
  • Keep in mind that heavy pruning will reduce the amount of spring blossoms.
  • Remove suckers that appear on the base and trunk of the tree.
Opening Plant Material
  • Grow Bags: Remove the bag by using a utility knife to slit up the side and peel off the fabric exposing the soil and roots. Plant the root ball just like you would a container plant. No trimming of roots is necessary for grow bags.
Planting Grow Bags
  • Plant grow bags in spring or fall.
  • Plant the root ball just like you would a container plant. No trimming of roots is necessary for grow bags.
  • Notice where the base of the trunk flares out from the tree. This is called the root flare. This root flare should show when the tree is planted. Add soil under the ball so the root flare is exposed if necessary.
  • Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
  • Backfill the hole with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
  • Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
  • See our link  for a downloadable Plant and Handling Guide with illustrations.
Pruning - After Planting
  • Grow Bags: Although it’s not essential after planting, light pruning can help shape a Pink Sparkles® crabapple tree. Doing so removes any broken branches from shipping or thins out a heavily branched plant to assist in the transplanting process and the appearance of your new planting.
Pruning - Through-out the Season
  • Although some flowers may be lost, it’s best to prune this tree as needed in late winter.
  • Spring pruning should be avoided as it produces fresh, open cuts where fireblight bacterium can enter.
Watering - After Planting
  • Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
  • Beyond the six-week establishment period, water once per week unless rain occurs.
  • Remember to check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil around 3”.
Watering - Through-out the Season
  • After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
  • How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it’s dry, give it a good soak with the hose end (no nozzle), watering the soil only, not the leaves.
  • Same as after planting, stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fruits from Pink Sparkles® flowering pink crabapple trees edible?
Yes, crab apples plucked straight from a flowering crabapple tree are edible. However, they are not eaten raw due to their tough texture and texture. Crab apples are usually used in different delicacies, such as jams, jellies, sauces, and cider.

What are the common problems with Pink Sparkles® crabapple trees?
Unlike other crabapple species, a Pink Sparkles® crabapple tree is not as disease-resistant. Several diseases commonly affect Pink Sparkles® crabapple trees, especially for newly planted trees. Scab, cedar-apple rust, and cedar-hawthorn rust are some diseases that may be encountered yearly by flowering crabapple trees. Additionally, fire blight is an occasional problem gardeners need to anticipate. To avoid fireblight, it’s best to perform routine inspections during winter pruning, after leaf fall, or after bud break. Carefully remove diseased parts to avoid damaging the entire plant.

What is the best growing zone for flowering crabapples?
It’s recommended for Pink Sparkles® crabapple trees to grow in USDA growing zones 4 to 8. This makes the tree very cold hardy against freezing temperatures, with a high heat tolerance as well.

Why is my Pink Sparkles® crabapple tree dying?
Pink Sparkles® crabapple trees may encounter different pests that show signs of infection, from symptoms on their green leaves or pink flowers. Spider mites, scale insects, and aphids can all cause leaf yellowing and wilting. They may also cause spotted and distorted leaves and eventually lead to tree death. Environmental conditions, such as wet or humid summers, can also make your Pink Sparkles® crabapple tree vulnerable to fungal attacks.

What do you spray on crabapple trees?
To prevent certain diseases, you may spray your trees with captan, lime-sulfur, and powdered or wettable sulfur. Excessive lime sulfur can damage leaves and affect flower buds. This is why it’s best to use caution when treating your plants.

Planting & Handling Help

Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.

Learn More

Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.

Plant Sizing

What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?

Shipping Times

Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.

 

Shipping Dates by Region*

 

Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th

Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th

Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th

Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th

Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th

 

Shipping Dates by Season*

 

Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May

Fall Shipping: September - November

 

Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.