Louisa Flowering Crabapple Tree

Louisa is a small, umbrella-shaped weeping crabapple with glossy dark-green leaves, fragrant pale-pink spring flowers and small golden-yellow fruit. J. Frank Schmidt lists the cultivar at about 10 feet tall by 12 feet wide and USDA zone 4; RHS gives a broader mature size range, reflecting variation among sites and conditions. Trees and Shrubs Online identifies Polly Hill as the raiser and dates her selection to 1962. [J. Frank Schmidt’s exact cultivar profile](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/louisa-crabapple/), [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/153095/malus-louisa/details) and [Trees and Shrubs Online](https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/malus/malus-cultivars-l-m/) describe the same weeping, pink-flowered selection. ## Site and seasonal display Plant in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. The dangling crown suits a specimen position where its outline can be seen, with clearance beneath the branches. The mid-spring flowers are followed by small golden fruit; the glossy foliage remains green through the growing season. ## Maintenance Water regularly while the tree establishes and during extended dry spells. Keep the root area free of competing weeds, and use light pruning to remove dead or crossing branches while preserving its natural umbrella form. Check the canopy periodically for common crabapple pests and diseases; JFS rates scab resistance excellent and fire blight, cedar-apple rust and mildew resistance good.