Chinese flowering crabapple (haitang) Malus spectabilis
Chinese flowering crabapple (haitang) (Malus spectabilis) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Rosaceae family, native to Northern and eastern China (known only in cultivation for centuries). It grows 5–8 m (16–26 ft) tall and 4–6 m (13–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Chinese flowering crabapple (haitang) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–6 m (13–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit (sour; preserves) |
| Native to | Northern and eastern China (known only in cultivation for centuries) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China |
Is Chinese flowering crabapple (haitang) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: seeds, leaves
Apple seeds and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chinese flowering crabapple (haitang)
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Shared pests and diseases
- Fire blight: Fire blight bacteria are carried by bees and rain between apples, pears, quince, hawthorn, cotoneaster and firethorn. Evidence B
See Chinese flowering crabapple (haitang) in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- China National Botanical Garden (8 plants)
- Missouri Botanical Garden (1 plants)
- Denver Botanic Gardens (2 plants)
Questions about Chinese flowering crabapple (haitang)
- How far apart should I plant Chinese flowering crabapple (haitang)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–6 m (13–20 ft).
- Does Chinese flowering crabapple (haitang) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chinese flowering crabapple (haitang) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Chinese flowering crabapple (haitang)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Chinese flowering crabapple (haitang) flower?
- From about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Chinese flowering crabapple (haitang) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Apple seeds and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides.
- What grows well with Chinese flowering crabapple (haitang)?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Classical Chinese garden tree, "the noble among flowers"; deep pink buds open to pale pink in April.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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