Flowering crabapple (Malus 'Weepcanzam' CANDIED APPLE)
Discover Malus 'Weepcanzam' CANDIED APPLE, a low-maintenance Flowering crabapple noted for its weeping habit and ornamental fruit.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Malus ‘Weepcanzam’ CANDIED APPLE is a highly attractive, genetically weeping variety of Flowering crabapple prized by landscape designers for its unique, architectural form. This dwarf tree matures to a manageable 10 to 15 feet in height and spread, making it an excellent focal point in smaller gardens or constrained spaces. Its appeal extends beyond its shape, commencing with spring flowers that open a vibrant reddish pink before lightening to a handsome whitish pink.
As a member of the Malus genus, this cultivar offers multi-season interest. Beyond the ephemeral spring bloom, the tree produces small, bright dark red crabapples (up to 3/8” diameter) that persist into the winter months. These persistent fruits are a significant feature, providing color long after deciduous foliage has dropped and offering food for local bird populations.
Malus ‘Weepcanzam’ CANDIED APPLE is a relatively straightforward plant to incorporate into your landscape. It thrives under full sun conditions and is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, though it prefers medium moisture, well-drained, acidic loam. Gardeners will appreciate the low maintenance level associated with this specific Flowering crabapple cultivar.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Rosaceae
- Plant Type: Tree
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 10-15 ft
- Spread: 10-15 ft
- Bloom Time: April
- Bloom Description: Reddish pink maturing to whitish pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting the Malus ‘Weepcanzam’ CANDIED APPLE should ideally occur in early spring or fall while the ground is workable, ensuring the tree establishes before temperature extremes. Select a site receiving full sun to maximize flower and fruit production. While this Flowering crabapple adapts well, aiming for well-drained, slightly acidic loam will yield the best results.
Watering should be kept consistent—aiming for medium moisture—especially during the first few growing seasons while the root system develops. Established trees exhibit reasonable drought tolerance, but supplemental water during dry spells is always beneficial. Fertilization is generally unnecessary unless the soil is severely deficient.
Pruning for this weeping cultivar should be done sparingly and strategically. The recommended practice is the lightest pruning needed, performed only as required in late winter when the tree is dormant. Crucially, avoid any spring pruning, as fresh cuts create entry points for the destructive fireblight bacterium, which is a known concern for crabapples.
Landscape Uses
The unique weeping habit of Malus ‘Weepcanzam’ CANDIED APPLE makes it an exceptional specimen or accent tree. Plant it where its cascading branch structure can be fully appreciated, perhaps near a patio or walkway where its spring flowers are easily viewed. It is also effective when planted in small groups to create a clustered focal point in a lawn area.
Because it adds vertical structure and seasonal color, this Flowering crabapple works beautifully within mixed shrub borders or incorporated into foundation plantings where its weeping form contrasts nicely with upright evergreen selections. Its medium size makes it appropriate for medium-sized yards where larger shade trees would overwhelm the space.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
- Edible
Noteworthy Characteristics
Malus is a genus of about 35 species of deciduous trees and shrubs from Europe, Asia and North America. Genus name from Latin is an ancient name for apple. ‘Weepcanzam’ is a pink-flowered weeping crabapple tree that matures to 10-15’ tall and as wide. It is being sold under that trade name of CANDIED APPLE. This dwarf tree is particularly noted for the arching and weeping of its branches. Spring flowers open reddish pink, gradually changing to deep whitish pink, followed by bright dark red crabapples that persist into winter, attracting birds.
Tolerances
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
The main challenges for any crabapple involve managing common diseases. Be vigilant for scab, rusts, leaf spot, and powdery mildew, although generally, CANDIED APPLE shows good resistance to the primary issues. Fire blight remains a threat; thus, strict pruning timing in late winter is essential to prevent entry points for the bacterial infection.
Insect pests are generally a lesser concern but can include aphids, borers, scale, and Japanese beetles. Monitoring the tree regularly allows you to catch infestations early. Since this Malus ‘Weepcanzam’ CANDIED APPLE is noted for good natural resistance, focusing efforts on excellent cultural conditions—especially proper pruning—will mitigate most potential problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Flowering crabapple suitable for?
The Malus ‘Weepcanzam’ CANDIED APPLE is well-suited for cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Malus ‘Weepcanzam’ CANDIED APPLE grow?
This weeping crabapple generally achieves a mature height between 10 and 15 feet, with a comparable spread of 10 to 15 feet.
When does Flowering crabapple bloom?
The bloom time for this cultivar is in April, featuring blossoms described as reddish pink maturing to whitish pink.
What sun exposure does Malus ‘Weepcanzam’ CANDIED APPLE need?
This tree requires full sun exposure for optimal health, flowering, and fruiting performance.
Conclusion
The Malus ‘Weepcanzam’ CANDIED APPLE offers gardeners a beautiful, low-maintenance specimen tree defined by its elegant weeping branch structure and colorful persistence into the colder months. This Flowering crabapple provides excellent aesthetic value and attracts wildlife, all within a manageable size for most residential landscapes. Before planting, confirm that the site provides full sun and check your local late-winter timing to ensure pruning avoids fireblight risk.
Companion Planting
When placing the Malus ‘Weepcanzam’ CANDIED APPLE within a mixed border, consider pairing it with plants that share similar cultural needs, particularly a preference for well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun. Broadleaf evergreens, such as various low-growing Junipers or Dwarf Rhododendrons, offer excellent textural contrast to the tree’s weeping habit and its spring flowers.
Because crabapples are susceptible to certain fungal diseases, avoid placing them adjacent to other plants highly prone to rust or powdery mildew, as this increases the risk of cross-contamination. Instead, utilize ground covers like Ajuga or creeping Thyme beneath the canopy; these suppress weeds without competing heavily for moisture or nutrients near the tree’s critical root zone.
Wildlife Benefits
While many ornamental fruits are disregarded by wildlife, the small, bright dark red crabapples produced by Malus ‘Weepcanzam’ CANDIED APPLE are noted as being attractive to birds. These fruits often persist through fall and into early winter, providing a crucial late-season food source when other berries have been depleted.
The spring bloom, opening reddish pink and lightening to whitish pink, is also highly valuable. As an early-season bloomer in April, it provides essential nectar and pollen for emerging native bees and other beneficial insects when few other landscape plants are flowering. Utilizing this Flowering crabapple supports local biodiversity throughout the growing season.
