25 Cardinal Crabapple Seeds - Purple Foliage, Pink Blossoms, Red Fruit

Cardinal Crabapple is a distinctive ornamental crabapple prized for its deep purple foliage, vibrant pink blossoms, and bright red fruit. This small deciduous tree adds dramatic color to landscapes throughout the growing season, from the spring bloom to the colorful fruit that persists into fall. Its compact size and multi-season interest make it an excellent choice for specimen plantings, mixed borders, and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Whether you are a home gardener or a landscape enthusiast, Cardinal Crabapple offers beauty and versatility. The purple leaves provide a stunning backdrop for the pink flowers, and the red fruit attracts birds while adding winter interest. Grow it as a focal point or in a small grouping to create a striking display.

Plant Features

• Deep purple foliage that holds color through summer
• Abundant pink blossoms in spring
• Bright red fruit that persists into fall and winter
• Compact growth habit suitable for smaller landscapes
• Attracts pollinators and birds

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Malus 'Cardinal'
• Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental tree
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; water regularly during establishment
• Growth Habit: Upright spreading
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Bloom Season: Spring
• Mature Height: 15-20 feet
• Spacing: 15-20 feet apart

Planting & Care

To grow Cardinal Crabapple from seed, start by stratifying the seeds to break dormancy. A cold moist stratification period of 60-90 days is recommended. Sow seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix, barely covering them with soil. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature around 70°F (21°C) for germination. Once seedlings have developed several true leaves, transplant them into individual pots and grow them on in a bright, sheltered location.

When planting outdoors, choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help the tree establish a strong root system. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch away from the trunk. Prune as needed in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead or crossing branches.

What's Included

25 Cardinal Crabapple seeds.