Raspberry Spear® Flowering Crabapple Tree

Raspberry Spear® (*Malus* ‘JFS KW213MX’) is a tightly columnar flowering crabapple with deep pink buds that open to bright magenta flowers. Its dark purple summer foliage, seasonal bronze and orange tones, and persistent red fruit extend its display well beyond spring. ## Seasonal display The narrow upright crown reaches about 20 feet tall and 8 feet wide, making this selection useful where a conventional broad crabapple would take too much room. Spring flowers are followed by small maroon-to-deep-red fruit that can remain into late autumn or early winter. Older leaves bronze and show orange tones as summer ends. The JFS profile reports excellent resistance to apple scab, fire blight, cedar-apple rust, and powdery mildew; this cultivar-specific resistance does not eliminate the need to monitor tree health. ## Site and hardiness Plant in full sun; crabapples are shade-intolerant, and this selection is listed for USDA Zone 4. The exact [J. Frank Schmidt Raspberry Spear profile](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/introductions/raspberry-spear-crabapple/) identifies the selection as *Malus* ‘JFS KW213MX’ (PP 31008). [Utah State University’s crabapple guide](https://extension.usu.edu/treebrowser/catalog/crabapple) describes the group’s varied forms and ornamental uses. Keep the measured spread in mind when siting it beside walks or structures. ## Maintenance If pruning is needed, remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. [University of Minnesota Extension](https://extension.umn.edu/garden-and-home/yard-and-garden/gardening-in-minnesota/pruning-trees-and-shrubs) advises pruning flowering crabapples then, since spring or summer cuts can increase fire blight risk. Rake fruit from hard surfaces if it drops where people walk.