Anybody interested in growing beautiful flowering bonsai trees should consider the Flowering Crabapple bonsai tree (Malus Sargenti). Flowering Crabapple bonsai trees are notorious for being robust and easy to care for. The Crabapple bonsai is a deciduous tree but will surprise you throughout the year with its changing colours, shades and blooms as the seasons progress.
The Flowering Crabapple bonsai tree is one of the most sought after and valued flowering miniature tree thanks to its spring blossoms. The many fragrant white flowers that usually cover the entire tree at the beginning of the spring season–shortly before the foliage appears– are definitely the reason why bonsai enthusiasts enjoy having them in their collection.
The tree grows upright, and its foliage usually starts to grow during springtime right through to the summer months. The foliage of the “Malus Sargenti” is small and very green. Throughout the summer, the flowering Crabapple tree will start growing lobed green miniature apples, often referred to as “pomes”.
The “pomes” or crabapples will grow, change colours and ripen especially during the autumn season. The foliage will also go through a multitude of different colours and shades, ranging from yellow to orange and red. During the winter season, like most deciduous trees, the Crabapple bonsai will lose its foliage entirely but will keep its fruits.
Caring for your Flowering Crabapple bonsai tree
Crabapple Bonsai tree aren’t picky so to speak and can adapt to any soil provided that the soil is drained. This will ensure a much quicker and healthier growth. Your bonsai should be kept outdoor as much as possible since full sun is very important for the growth and development of the tree.
Flowering Crabapple bonsai trees are quite susceptible to mildew, especially if you prefer to keep them inside. In order to prevent mildew from damaging your tree, it is very important to ventilate the room and make sure the tree receives proper fresh air circulation. You can place the bonsai by a window for instance to ensure proper air ventilation.
During the winter season and despite its robustness, the Crabapple bonsai tree will need protection against the frost. If the winter is too harsh then the tree should be brought indoors. If left outside during a cold spell, the roots—which are small compared to a normal-sized tree–could freeze and the bonsai could die within weeks.
The crabapple bonsai tree must be watered on a regular basis, especially at the beginning of spring during the fruiting season. However, the soil must not be damp, as there is a risk of root rot. Water the plant when the soil starts to look dry. Increase the water supply during the summer months, especially if you happen to live in warm regions of the globe.
Fertilizing your crabapple bonsai tree is not time consuming either but it is important for the tree to have a healthy growth. Purchase some organic fertilizer if you can and use it twice a week until the tree begins to blossom. Keep on feeding your Crabapple bonsai tree until the end of the summer. Afterwards, feeding your bonsai tree once a month is sufficient.
Repotting and Pruning your Crabapple Bonsai Tree
Repotting is also very important for the growth of your tree but the golden rule is to only use rich soil. You don’t need to get anything fancy but some good quality and nutritive soil is what you should get if you want optimum health for your bonsai. As far as repotting is concerned, you should do it just before blooming time.
Pruning is also very important as it will keep your miniature tree healthy and help it grow. Always make sure that you pinch back new shoots during the early spring time, and then leave it as it is until the end of the summer.
Crabapple bonsai trees are susceptible to garden insects such as red spider mites, caterpillars, aphids or apple scab but it is possible to get rid of the problem with good organic pesticides and insecticides.