Malus 'Donald Wyman'

'Donald Wyman' Crabapple

Malus ‘Donald Wyman’ is a deciduous flowering crabapple tree valued for its reddish-pink buds that open to abundant fragrant white flowers, glossy green foliage, and bright red fruit that persists well into winter. It was discovered as a chance seedling at the Arnold Arboretum around 1950 and later named in honor of Donald Wyman, the Arboretum’s longtime horticulturist. It is widely regarded as one of the best crabapple cultivars because of its strong ornamental display and high disease resistance.

Type: Deciduous flowering tree
Mature Size: 15–20' W x 15–20' H
USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Form: Upright when young, becoming broad, rounded, and spreading with age
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Well-drained average garden soil; moderate water during establishment, then moderate moisture
Bloom Time / Length: Mid-spring, usually April; white flowers follow reddish-pink buds
Wildlife: Flowers support pollinators, and the persistent red fruit provides fall and winter interest for birds.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent as a specimen tree, lawn tree, patio accent, or in small groups. Its fruit display is one of its standout traits, often lasting into winter, and its dependable disease resistance has made it a widely planted and highly recommended crabapple in public gardens and residential landscapes.

Care: Plant in full sun with good air circulation and well-drained soil. Water regularly while establishing, then during dry periods as needed. Prune mainly to maintain structure and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Full sun helps promote best flowering, fruiting, and overall disease resistance

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

15-20'

Width

15-20'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Orange

Soil

Average, Loamy well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Rounded

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No