A Lollipop in the Landscape
It’s Arbor Day, and what better way to celebrate than by spotlighting one of the many great trees available in our Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Trees program? Today’s pick: the sugary-sweet Lollipop® crabapple (Malus x).
This space-saving selection earns its playful name thanks to its straight trunk and rounded canopy, which, in spring, is covered in a dazzling mass of fragrant white flowers. A truly impressive display, it follows up its floral show with shiny red crabapples in summer and fall. The fruit is a tasty treat for birds and wildlife, perfect for nature-friendly gardeners.
Lollipop crabapple is suited to USDA zones 4-8. It enjoys full sun and moist, well-drained soils that are slightly acidic. But don’t be put off by those specific instructions; crabapples will tolerate varied conditions as long as they aren’t too extreme. At its mature size, Lollipop crabapple can reach 8 feet tall and wide. It grows naturally into its tidy shape, making it a great low-maintenance choice for your landscape.
The Inside Scoop
Each plant has its own unique journey, and Lollipop crabapple is no exception. This selection comes from breeder Jim Zampini, who chose it for its naturally round form and true dwarf genetics. But its story isn’t quite so straightforward.
Speaking with Maria Zampini of UpShoot, she shares that the original tree was almost lost in a mowing accident when the damage went unreported. “My dad went on a walk on a Sunday morning and found it lying on its side,” she recalls. “He utilized a few different grafting techniques in the heat of the summer and was lucky that the grafts took; otherwise, it might have been lost to other varieties.”
Well, we’re certainly glad it wasn’t. Today, Lollipop crabapple is a standout choice for small gardens and urban landscapes, with its compact habit keeping it neat and manageable. In spring, it rewards you with a generous display of blooms and a delightful fragrance. It will have no problem drawing you in, just like the sweet treat it’s named after.
