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Starlite Flowering Crabapple

Malus 'Jeflite'

The Story

Plant Bio

Flowering crabapples are small to medium-sized deciduous trees celebrated for their spectacular spring floral displays, attractive fruit, and often interesting fall color or winter form.

Starlite® ('Jeflite') is a compact, upright crabapple known for its exceptional disease resistance, particularly to fire blight. It features pink buds that open to fragrant, pure white flowers, followed by small, persistent, glossy red fruit.

Uses & Benefits:

Starlite® offers a spectacular spring show, with fragrant white blossoms emerging from pink buds. Its upright, compact form is ideal for smaller gardens. In fall and winter, the tree is adorned with masses of small, glossy red fruits that persist, providing color against the snow.

Its narrow, upright habit makes it a suitable choice for planting near homes, along driveways, or as a street tree where lateral space is limited. Its high disease resistance reduces the need for chemical sprays, making it a lower-maintenance crabapple choice.

The spring flowers are a vital nectar and pollen source for bees and other pollinators. The persistent winter fruit provides a crucial food source for overwintering birds such as cedar waxwings, robins, and finches.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

30-50 years

Native To

Cultivated origin

Toxicity

Fruit is non-toxic; seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend with compost if necessary.
Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole, making sure the root flare is at or just above ground level.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location with good air circulation to further enhance its excellent natural disease resistance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Prune in late winter to maintain an open structure for good air flow.
Clean up fallen leaves and fruit in the fall to reduce disease potential.
Provide full sun for the best flowering and fruiting.

Don't

Avoid planting in poorly drained or shady locations.
Do not use overhead sprinklers, as wet foliage can encourage disease.
Avoid excessive pruning or 'topping' the tree.
Don't plant too deep; ensure the root flare is visible.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Upright specimen for small landscapesProfuse spring accent treeWinter interest with persistent red fruit

Companion Plants

Syringa vulgaris 'Charles Joly'Spiraea x vanhouttei Narcissus 'Dutch Master'Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro'Paeonia 'Sarah Bernhardt'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Starlite Flowering Crabapple questions

What zones can Starlite Flowering Crabapple grow in?

Starlite Flowering Crabapple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Starlite Flowering Crabapple deer resistant?

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

When does Starlite Flowering Crabapple bloom?

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

Does Starlite Flowering Crabapple need full sun?

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