The 'Callaway' Crabapple (Malus x 'Callaway') is widely considered one of the best crabapple varieties for the Southern United States. It was specifically developed at the Callaway Gardens in Georgia to thrive in warmer climates where other crabapples struggle with disease and lack of winter chill. If you enjoy bird watching, this is the tree for you. The red fruits are persistent (they stay on the tree for a long time) and serve as a vital food source for cedar waxwings, robins, and mockingbirds throughout the fall and winter. Because of its manageable size, it is a perfect "understory" tree or a focal point for a small front yard where a massive Oak or Cottonwood would be too large.
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Scientific Name
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Malus x 'Callaway' |
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Foliage: Deciduous
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Leaves: Clean crisp dark green leaves.
Flowers: In early spring, the tree is covered in pink buds that open into large, snow-white flowers.
Fruit: By late summer, it produces clusters of bright red, 1-inch crabapples. Unlike many crabapples that have tiny, sour fruit, 'Callaway' fruit is large enough to be used for jellies and is quite pretty on the branch.
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Mature Height
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15-25 feet |
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Mature Width (Spread)
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15-20 feet |
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Growth Rate
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Moderate |
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USDA Zone
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5-9 |
Plant Care & Characteristics
Light Requirements: Full Sun. Like all fruiting trees, it needs at least 6–8 hours of direct sun to produce its spectacular bloom and keep the foliage dense.
Water Requirements: Moderate. It prefers regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant, but "stressed" trees are more prone to pests.
Drought Resistance: Moderate. It handles short dry spells well, but in a true drought, it will need supplemental deep soaking to prevent early leaf drop.
Soil Type: Well-Drained & Loamy. It prefers rich, slightly acidic soil but is remarkably adaptable to the heavier clay soils often found in the South.
Deer Resistance: Low to Moderate. Deer love the tender spring buds and the fallen fruit. You may need to protect the trunk of young trees with a cage or wrap.
Disease Resistance: This is the 'Callaway's' superpower. It is highly resistant to Fire Blight and Apple Scab, two diseases that often ruin other crabapple varieties in humid climates.
Edibility: Yes, you can eat Callaway crabapples; they are known for being sweeter and less tart than many other crabapples, with crisp, yellow flesh, making them suitable for fresh eating, jams, jellies, sauces, or pickling, though you should still remove the core and seeds before consuming.
Key Difference: 'Callaway' vs. 'Prairifire'
- 'Callaway' is better for very hot, southern climates (Zone 9) and has white flowers with larger, edible fruit.
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'Prairifire' has the superior foliage color (purple/red) and more vibrant pink flowers, but it prefers slightly cooler summers.
