Amberina Flowering Crabapple

Malus ‘Amberina’ is a compact, upright flowering crabapple with rose-pink buds that open into fragrant white blossoms in spring. Its deep green leaves turn bright gold in autumn, and small glossy red fruit can remain on the tree through winter. ## Flowers, foliage, and fruit The original cultivar patent describes Amberina as an ornamental crabapple selected by John L. Fiala and records USPP6942, granted July 25, 1989. The patent reports an average height of about 10 feet at 15 years, abundant flowering on young trees, white open flowers, and pink-to-rose buds. Small red fruit ripens in autumn and is notably persistent. The patent also describes strong resistance to apple scab, cedar-apple rust, fire blight, frogeye leaf spot, and powdery mildew; resistance does not remove the need to monitor local disease pressure. See the [USPP6942 patent record](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP6942P/en). ## Site Plant in full sun for best flowering. Crabapples tolerate a range of soils, though moderately moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH is a good starting point. This smaller upright tree can serve as a specimen in a lawn or mixed border, where spring flowers and persistent fruit remain visible. The flowers attract attention in spring, and the fruit provides food for wildlife. [UMass Extension’s crabapple guidance](https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/landscape/fact-sheets/crabapples) recommends full sun and removing sucker growth or unwanted branches. ## Maintenance Water regularly while establishing and during prolonged dry weather. Remove suckers and unwanted branches as needed, and prune sparingly to preserve the upright form and flowering wood. Clear fallen fruit if it becomes a nuisance near paths or paving.