Red Winter Fruits

We’ve been looking at ways to use plants that produce berries and fruit to add winter interest in the garden and this article will specifically discuss two types of plants that produce red fruits; Crabapples (Malus spp.) and Strawberry trees (Arbutus spp.).

Crabapples

Crabapples are a favorite of many landscapers and there are many reasons why we love using them. One of the things preventing more home gardeners from using them though, is a fear of disease. While it is true that some older varieties are very disease prone, modern cultivars are becoming more and more disease resistant. I will be discussing only varieties showing all excellent and good ratings at avoiding the four major diseases of crabapples; Scab, Fireblight, Apple Rust, and Mildew. For more detailed information on this species check out the book Flowering Crabapples: The Genus Malus, an authority on using ornamental crabapples in the landscape. Read a recent review by our landscape expert.

• Prairiefire Crabapple Tree (Malus hupehensis ‘Prairiefire’) is a stunning crabapple that has a disease resistance rating of “excellent” in all four areas. Hardy in zones 4-9, this tree has an upright rounded growth habit that matures to a height and spread of 15-20′. Fragrant spring flowers are bright pink, emerging from charming red buds. The beautiful foliage turns from a purple-green in the summer to orange and yellow in the fall. And of course, the winter interest is maintained through the persistent half-inch maroon winter fruit.
• Sargent Crabapple (Malus sargentii) is another beautiful crabapple specimen that is low growing and suitable for smaller garden spaces, or as a large shrub/small tree accent. It grows to 8′ tall but has a horizontal shape as it can spread to 12′ wide. This variety is often trained along a wall or fence as an espalier and takes pruning better than some other crabapples. Extremely disease resistant. Dark green summer foliage turns yellow or orange in the full. Spring flowers are fragrant white masses of blooms erupting from bright red buds and result in deep red, tiny fruits that are beautiful accents in any winter garden. Prune to a single trunk tree or leave it multi-branched to form a dense shrub. Hardy zones 4-9.
• ‘Red Jewel’ (Malus ‘Red Jewel’) is a crabapple that falls in the middle size wise, growing to approximately 15′ tall and 12′ wide with a pleasing oval/vase shape. Hardy in zones 4-9 with many pure white blooms each spring to create a lacy, showy effect. Foliage turns from bright green summer growth to a golden yellow in the fall. The fruit is tiny ½” apples that are cherry red and will cling to the tree until spring. Good disease resistance for scab, blight and mildew with excellent resistance to rust.

Strawberry plant tree

Another red fruiting tree that I want to mention is the Strawberry tree (Arubutus spp). There are several varieties now available that will range in size from 4-6′ tall to 40′ tall although most are easily pruned to manageable sizes depending on your garden situation. Hardiness also varies with some doing well to zone 7 but most preferring warmer zones.

• Arbutus unedo grows to 30′ tall at the very highest but growth is slow. Hardy only to 15 degrees, it is drought tolerant once established. A Mediterranean native, the showy flowers result in fascinating textured fruit clusters that are showiest in the winter months.
• Arbutus Marina is evergreen and grows very tall (40′ is the largest I’ve found so far) but slowly. Long-lived, the plant does not like to have its roots disturbed so chose a planting place wisely. Blooming with pendulous blooms in the winter, it also has the fruit from last years blossoms only just ripening making an unusual and unique winter accent!
• ‘Elfin King’ (Arbutus Elfin King) is one dwarf variety rarely passing 5′ in height. Some have grown it in containers where its drought tolerance helps it survive. Not frost hardy, it is well suited to warmer climates of the south or western US.

Review the general tips for using berries in the winter landscape or see all the ways to use plants for brightening a winter garden landscape