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Ruby Tears Crabapple

Malus 'Ruby Tears'

The Story

Plant Bio

Crabapple trees are small to medium-sized deciduous trees highly valued for their spectacular spring flower display, attractive fruit, and often colorful foliage. They are adaptable and available in a wide range of forms and sizes.

'Ruby Tears' (Malus 'Bailears') is a naturally weeping crabapple that creates a graceful, cascading fountain of foliage. It features fragrant pink blossoms, deep burgundy-green summer leaves, and sparkling red, persistent fruit, along with excellent disease resistance.

Uses & Benefits:

The primary value of 'Ruby Tears' is its stunning ornamental form. Its weeping habit creates a dramatic, year-round silhouette, enhanced by spring flowers, colorful summer foliage, and persistent winter fruit that sparkles in the sun.

Its small stature and weeping form make it an ideal specimen tree for small gardens, patios, or courtyards where a larger tree would not fit. It provides structure and beauty without overwhelming the space.

The spring blossoms are a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators. The small, persistent fruits provide a crucial winter food source for birds like cedar waxwings and robins.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

108 inches

Width

160 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

30-50 years

Native To

Cultivated origin

Toxicity

Fruit is non-toxic but sour

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend heavy clay if needed.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole with the root flare at ground level.
Backfill with soil and water deeply to settle.
Apply mulch around the base, avoiding contact with the trunk.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning the weeping branches unless they are dead or damaged, as this will ruin the plant's natural, graceful form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
Provide good air circulation to maintain healthy foliage.
Remove any suckers that may appear from the rootstock.
Enjoy the year-round interest from flowers, foliage, fruit, and form.

Don't

Do not plant in a shaded or waterlogged location.
Avoid heavy pruning, which can destroy its weeping habit.
Don't allow grass to grow right up to the trunk.
Refrain from overhead watering to help prevent fungal diseases.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful weeping specimen for small yardsDramatic focal point in a mixed borderCascading accent over a wall or water feature

Companion Plants

Hosta 'Frances Williams'Heuchera 'Palace Purple'Narcissus 'Thalia'Geranium 'Rozanne'Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ruby Tears Crabapple questions

What zones can Ruby Tears Crabapple grow in?

Ruby Tears 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 Ruby Tears Crabapple deer resistant?

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

When does Ruby Tears Crabapple bloom?

Ruby Tears 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 Ruby Tears Crabapple need full sun?

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