Colors in the balloon stage are white, pink, or red. Once fully open, the blossoms become fragrant. The total bloom period may be as long as two weeks although wind, heat and rain can shorticultureen the blossom period. Fully opened blossoms are white, pink and dark or purplish red. High temperatures during bloom often result in less intense pink and red pigments.
Many crabapples have showy, colorful fruit.
Purple, red or yellow fruit develop soon after blossoms drop. Unlike the flowers, which last only a few weeks, fruit color is effective for months, even through the winter on some cultivars. The contrast between the red fruit of 'Donald Wyman' and the yellow-orange fruit of 'Bob White' is striking. While the larger-sized fruit may pose a litter problem, it also makes delicious jelly. Birds, such as the cedar waxwing and robin, feed on the smaller fruited cultivars.