Sargent Flowering Crabapple Tree

Malus sargentii

Nature Hills Nursery

Sargent Crabapple's Dense, Architectural Branching Creates Year-Round Winter Interest
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 8-10 ft Tall, 8-12 ft Wide
Stunning Yellow Fall Foliage
Showy Pink, White Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring

$89⁴⁴

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this tree a spot with full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct light daily. While it can survive in partial shade, you will see significantly fewer flowers and a less vibrant fall color display.
Soil: This tree prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil that does not stay soggy after a rain. If you are working with heavy clay soil, try planting in a raised mound to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, check the soil moisture weekly and water deeply whenever the top inch feels dry to help the roots establish. Once the tree is mature, it is quite drought tolerant, though extended dry spells without supplemental water can cause the leaves to scorch or drop early.

Pruning Tips

You should prune this tree in late winter while it is still dormant, just before new growth begins. Focus on removing any broken branches, suckers at the base, or branches that are crossing and rubbing against each other. This "structural pruning" improves air circulation through the canopy, which is key for keeping the foliage healthy and disease-free.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer or a formula designed for flowering trees in early spring as the buds start to swell. Avoid using high-nitrogen lawn fertilizers near the tree late in the summer, as this pushes soft new growth that will not harden off in time for winter.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Architectural & Fragrant Sargent Crabapple Tree!

Naturally Dwarf Crabapple
Small Space Gardens
Exceptional Spring Display
Stunning Pink-Red Buds Open to Snowy White Flowers
Delightfully Fragrant Blooms
Butterfly & Bee Magnet
Ornamental Landscape Tree
Dark Green Dense Foliage Turns Yellow in Fall
Mounded, Wide-Spreading Form
Bright Red Fruit Persist all Winter
Architectural Branching 4 Season Interest
Edible Fruit for Jelly
Fruit Attracts Birds
Planters & Bonsai!

Gain year-round interest with the unique-sized and shaped canopy of the Sargent Flowering Crabapple Tree (Malus sargentii)! This dwarf selection fits wonderfully in foundation plantings and is perfectly sized for small modern lots and courtyards!

Join millions just like you who are delighted by the abundant clusters of fragrant, early spring flowers! The dense, spreading canopy is festooned with pretty pink buds that burst open into fragrant white flowers decorated with brilliant golden stamens.

Welcome spring with this scented beauty! Butterflies and local bee populations, as well as hungry songbirds too, will all appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Watch as the spring flowers slowly morph into brilliant, dark red crabapples over the long summer. Even after the yellow leaves drop in fall, the lovely branching and persistent, pea-sized fruit make a wonderful winter display.

How to Use Sargent Crabapple Tree In The Landscape

Whether you add one to a collection of Flowering Crabapples...or count on it as a specimen patio tree. The redolent aroma of Sargent is a dream come true after a long, hard winter.

One of the smallest Crabapples, Sargent features a branch structure that adds a sculptural effect all year long! The mounded canopy spreads wide and displays zigzagging branches. No wonder people adore this variety as long-lived Bonsai, container specimen, or Espalier!

When grown in the ground becomes a true garden highlight! All summer, dark green leaves grow densely to cast refreshing shade.

Use as a backdrop to Butterfly Gardens, or run a hedgerow to create a privacy screen along your property line. Grow in large planters, on balconies, postage stamp lots, and rooftop gardens. You’ll easily enjoy all the benefits of a Flowering Crabapple anywhere!

Fantastic as a standout specimen planting for all sizes of landscape, Sargent is perfect for adorning your front entry, lining a driveway and accenting a porch or patio with selective shade! Add a pretty treatment of Holiday lights and outdoor decorations for a real showcase.

Oh...and yes, the dark-red berries are edible!

Creating lip-smacking preserves, these tart cousins of the Apple are pectin-rich! Helping thicken jellies and add a bright tone. Harvest your fair share before hungry birds eat them all!

#ProPlantTips For Care

Crabapple trees require full sun, so provide your tree at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day in USDA growing zones 4-8. The dwarf dense spreading crown won’t interfere with utility lines.

Preferring moist, well-drained soil that is organically enriched, plus a generous layer of mulch to insulate and retain moisture. Sargent can be tolerant of drier conditions once it’s established.

Head over to our Garden Blog for more Scoop on Crabapples! Easy care and low maintenance, the Sargent Ornamental Crabapple Tree will delight you for years to come! Order yours at NatureHills.com today!

Botanical Name

Malus sargentii
Class

Magnoliopsida
Species

sargentii
Growing Zones

4-8
Height

8-10 ft
Width

8-12 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Slow
Flower Color

Pink, White
Leaf Color

Green, Yellow, Orange
Fall Color

Yellow
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Spring, Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is the Sargent Flowering Crabapple Tree hardy in?

The Sargent Flowering Crabapple Tree is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. This dwarf variety tolerates cold winters well while thriving in moderate climates. Plant in full sun to partial shade for best flowering and fruit production.

Does the Sargent Flowering Crabapple need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

The Sargent Flowering Crabapple performs best in full sun for optimal flowering and fruit production. It can tolerate partial shade but may have reduced blooms and a more open growth habit. Plant in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the most abundant spring display available at naturehills.com.

How often should I water my newly planted Sargent Flowering Crabapple?

Water newly planted Sargent Crabapples deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 2 inches deep. Once established, this drought-tolerant tree needs watering only during extended dry periods.

When does the Sargent Flowering Crabapple bloom and what color are the flowers?

The Sargent Flowering Crabapple blooms in early spring with fragrant white flowers that open from pretty pink buds. The abundant flower clusters feature brilliant golden stamens and attract butterflies and bees. Plant in full sun for the best spring flower display.

Is this variety susceptible to apple scab or other common crabapple diseases?

Sargent Crabapple shows good resistance to apple scab and other common crabapple diseases compared to many varieties. Its dense, healthy foliage and compact growth habit help reduce disease pressure. Choose disease-resistant selections like this one available at naturehills.com for best results.

What kind of ongoing care and maintenance does this tree require?

Sargent Crabapples are low-maintenance once established, requiring only basic care. Water regularly the first year, then they become quite drought tolerant. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove any crossing branches.