Crabapples for Midwestern Landscapes Horticulture Crabapples for Midwestern Landscapes Crabapples are the most widely planted ornamental tree in the Midwest. They are grown chiefly for their colorful spring flowers. Flower colors range from white to pink to reddish purple. However, many crabapples possess other ornamental features.
Some varieties have handsome leaves that range from dark green to burgundy.
Others have colorful fruit in fall and early winter. Interesting growth habits and branching patterns are another ornamental feature. The following is a list of some of the best crabapples for Midwestern landscapes. Strong possibility of early defoliation in wet years because of fungal pathogens. Iowa State University , Ames, Iowa.