Malus  'Robinson'
tree

Robinson Crabapple

Malus 'Robinson'

$130.95
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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Medium-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Seeds are toxic if ingested in quantity

The Story

Plant Bio

Flowering crabapples are small to medium-sized deciduous trees, highly valued for their spectacular spring floral displays, colorful fruit, and often attractive form. 'Robinson' is a popular, well-rounded cultivar with an upright, spreading habit. It features deep pink buds that open to single pink flowers, bronze-green foliage, and good disease resistance.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThe 'Robinson' crabapple is a classic ornamental tree, offering a massive cloud of pink blossoms in spring. Its bronze-tinged foliage provides summer interest, and the small, dark red fruits persist into winter, adding color to the dormant landscape.
Practical UsesIts moderate size and rounded shape make it an excellent choice for a lawn specimen, street tree, or as part of a screening border. The dense canopy provides moderate shade.
Ecological BenefitsThe flowers are a vital early-season pollen and nectar source for bees and other pollinators, crucial for fruit set in nearby orchards. The persistent winter fruits are a valuable food source for birds like cedar waxwings and robins.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

In Stock$130.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a location in full sun with good air circulation.
  2. Plant in average, well-drained soil; they are widely adaptable.
  3. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
  4. Set the tree so the graft union is a few inches above the soil line.
  5. Backfill with soil and water deeply to settle.
  6. Mulch the root zone but keep mulch away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Full sun is non-negotiable for crabapples; it ensures the best flowering, foliage color, and disease resistance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide full sun all day.
  • Water regularly during the first year of establishment.
  • Prune to maintain an open structure for good air flow.
  • Clean up fallen fruit and leaves to reduce disease pressure.

Don't

  • Do not plant in a shady or crowded location.
  • Avoid poor drainage, which can lead to root rot.
  • Don't over-fertilize, especially with high-nitrogen formulas.
  • Avoid excessive pruning, which can stimulate vigorous, undesirable water sprouts.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant spring specimen treeColorful addition to mixed bordersEffective small-scale street or lawn tree

Companion Plants

Syringa vulgaris (Lilac) Spiraea x vanhouttei (Vanhoutte Spirea) Narcissus (Daffodil) Hemerocallis (Daylily) Paeonia (Peony)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Robinson Crabapple questions

What zones can Robinson Crabapple grow in?

Robinson Crabapple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Robinson Crabapple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Robinson Crabapple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Robinson Crabapple bloom?

Robinson Crabapple typically blooms in mid-spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Robinson Crabapple need full sun?

Robinson Crabapple does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Robinson Crabapple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Robinson Crabapple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Robinson Crabapple with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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