tree

Red Jewel Crabapple

Malus 'Jewelcole'

The Story

Plant Bio

Crabapples are small to medium-sized deciduous trees prized for their showy spring blossoms, attractive fruit, and often interesting forms. They are a staple in many temperate landscapes.

Red Jewel is renowned for its abundant, persistent, small, cherry-red fruits that remain on the tree well into winter, providing excellent winter interest and food for birds. It also has excellent disease resistance.

Uses & Benefits:

Red Jewel is a premier small ornamental tree, offering a massive display of pure white spring flowers followed by brilliant, persistent red fruit that provides color through winter.

Its small stature makes it suitable for a wide range of landscape situations, including smaller urban and suburban yards. The dense branching can provide a degree of screening.

The spring flowers are a valuable nectar and pollen source for bees and other pollinators. The persistent winter fruit is a crucial food source for overwintering birds like cedar waxwings and robins.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

180 inches

Width

144 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Medium

Native To

Cultivated origin

Toxicity

Seeds are toxic if ingested in quantity

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with full sun and good air circulation
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball
Set the tree with the graft union several inches above soil level
Backfill with amended soil, tamping gently
Water deeply at planting and regularly for the first year
Mulch around the base, avoiding contact with the trunk

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun with good air circulation to ensure the best flowering, fruiting, and disease resistance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment
Prune out suckers and water sprouts promptly
Rake up fallen leaves and fruit to reduce disease potential

Don't

Avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal diseases
Don't prune heavily in summer
Don't plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soil

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning small specimen treeWinter interest focal point with persistent fruitPollinator garden anchor plant

Companion Plants

Tulipa Narcissus Nepeta 'Walker's Low'Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'Syringa vulgaris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Jewel Crabapple questions

What zones can Red Jewel Crabapple grow in?

Red Jewel 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 Red Jewel Crabapple deer resistant?

Yes — Red Jewel Crabapple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Red Jewel Crabapple bloom?

Red Jewel 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 Red Jewel Crabapple need full sun?

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