How to Prune Crabapple (Malus spectabilis)? A Detailed Guide to the Correct Method
Crabapple is a traditional famous flower that is loved by many people, and many grow potted crabapple at home. So what are the pruning methods for crabapple?
1. Pruning methods for crabapple
1. Early spring pruning: early spring is the best time for pruning. When pruning, select 3 to 5 healthy branches and cut off the remaining overly weak branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, and poorly growing branches from the base, so as to promote the sprouting of sturdy new shoots.
2. Pruning after flowering: after flowering, in order to keep the tree shape attractive, two weeks after flowering, prune the crowded branches and protruding branches on the plant, and you can also shorten long branches, keeping 3 to 4 buds from the base and cutting off all the rest.
3. Notes: when controlling plant height and tree shape, shorten flowering branches in the right amount, doing it step by step year by year, to avoid cutting too heavily and affecting the plant's flowering amount.
2. The culture of crabapple
Crabapple flowers are elegant and free-spirited, blooming like brocade. Since ancient times it has been a famous flower enjoyed by both refined and popular tastes, long known as the “immortal among flowers”, the “imperial consort among flowers”, and the “noble among flowers”. Crabapple has long had the reputation of “national beauty”. When planted in royal gardens, it is often combined with magnolia, peony, and osmanthus to form the artistic conception of “Yutang Fugui” (jade hall wealth and honor). Literati of past dynasties wrote many widely praised lines appreciating crabapple. Lu You wrote in a poem: “Though beautiful, it has no vulgar bearing; the Great Emperor is truly wealthy and noble.” describing crabapple as beautiful and elegant. In another poem, Lu You wrote: “Scarlet red and parrot green are extremely heavenly clever; layered calyxes and double calyx bases dazzle the morning sun.” describing the image of crabapple's bright red flowers and green leaves and its abundant blooms competing with the morning sun. Liu Zicui of the Song Dynasty wrote in a poem: “With a secluded posture and gentle manner it plays in the spring sunshine; the plum lends it charm and the willow lends it lightness. After a night of rain its fragrance still remains; dyed all over with rouge, it cannot be painted." describing crabapple as like a quiet, gentle lady. Therefore crabapple combines the merits of plum and willow and is charming and moving; after rain its clear fragrance still remains, and its flower beauty is hard to depict. No wonder Emperor Ming of Tang also compared the sleeping Yang Guifei to crabapple. Lu You wrote in a poem: “Though beautiful, it has no vulgar bearing; the Great Emperor is truly wealthy and noble.” describing crabapple as beautiful and elegant. Su Dongpo was captivated by it and wrote the famous line “I only fear that deep in the night the flower will fall asleep, so I burn tall candles to shine on the red makeup”, hence crabapple has the elegant nickname “the flower that understands speech”.
Crabapple is a famous flower. Pay attention to pruning so it will look even better, and it will also have floral fragrance. It is very popular.