Culture
Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained, acidic loams in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Established trees have some drought tolerance. Although some flowers may be lost, it is best to prune this tree as needed in late winter. Spring pruning should be avoided as it produces fresh, open cuts where fireblight bacterium can enter.
‘Robinson’ is noted for being a fast-growing cultivar.
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.
‘Robinson’ is a pink-flowered crabapple that typically matures to 15-25’ tall. It is noted for its rounded shape, deep pink flowers, red fruit and good disease resistance. Oval leaves (to 3” long) emerge purple when young, turn bronze green with red veining during the growing season and finally turn varying but sometimes good orange fall color. Crimson buds open in spring to deep pink flowers (1.5” diameter). Flowers are followed by bright red crabapples (to 3/8” diameter) that mature in fall and may persist into winter. Birds are attracted to the fruit. Fruit may be harvested for jellies.
Problems
The main diseases of crabapple are scab, fire blight, rusts, leaf spot and powdery mildew. Potential insect pests are of lesser concern and include tent caterpillars, aphids, Japanese beetles, borers and scale. Spider mites may occur.
Generally, 'Robinson' has excellent disease resistance to the main diseases of crabapples.
Uses
Plant as a specimen/accent or in small groups. General landscape use.