If a crabapple rigorously refuses to flower, this devastating fact results from various causes. Take a look behind the scenes of the care program with us to track down the trigger and get rid of it.

Incorrect pruning or frost damage can prevent flowering

Cause #1: Wrong cut

The buds form on all crab apple varieties in the previous year. If these are removed as part of the pruning in late winter, this year's flowering will not occur. It is better to just thin out the wood and remove the water shoots. Branches that are too long should be shortened as little as possible or not at all.

Cause #2: Frost damage

If the ice saints still have biting frost in their luggage in May, a single frosty night will cause devastating damage to the buds. Notwithstanding the robust winter hardiness of ornamental apple, we still recommend protecting the branches from delayed ground frosts. Cover the shrub or standard crown with a breathable fleece in the evening as soon as the meteorologists announce minus temperatures.

Cause #3: Water and nutrient deficiencies

Crabapple is an exceedingly thirsty and hungry tree. In order to put on the lavish flower and leaf dress, followed by a rich fruit load, water and nutrient requirements are at a high level. If there is a lack of supply, the ornamental apple will not bloom. How to fix the shortcoming:

  • Keep the soil constantly slightly moist
  • On hot summer days, water in the morning and evening, especially in the bucket
  • Apply a complete nutrient fertilizer in March/April
  • Alternatively, from March to August, fertilize every 4 weeks with compost, horn shavings (€32.93) or bark humus

If you have identified negligence in care as the trigger for the lack of flowering, there are best prospects for a blossom bloom at least for the next year if you optimize the care program from now on.

Cause #4: Diseases and Pests

Since ornamental apples are naturally more robust than cultivated apples, diseases and pests are the main reasons for the failure to flower, behind negligent care. If errors in cultivation can be ruled out, please keep an eye out for symptoms of powdery mildew, scab, aphids or caterpillars.

tips

You avoid the dreaded apple scab on crabapples if you choose one of the resistant varieties. The red-leaved beauty 'Coccinella' is one of them, as is the classic 'Evereste'. Among the dwarf varieties, bonsai crabapple 'Pom Zai' has proven resilient.

Category:

Garden design