Malus Indian Summer

Indian Summer Crabapple

Malus ‘Indian Summer’ is a flowering crabapple tree valued for its deep rose-red spring flowers, bright red fruit, and strong fall color. This deciduous ornamental tree has a broad, rounded habit, with young foliage emerging purplish to bronze before maturing green, then turning orange-red to gold-bronze in fall. The small red crabapples often persist into winter, adding seasonal interest and wildlife value.

Type: Flowering crabapple tree
Mature Size: 15–20' wide x 15–20' high
USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Form: Broad-rounded
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Moderately fertile, well-drained soil / moderate moisture
Bloom Time / Length: Mid spring / 1–2 weeks
Wildlife: Bees visit the flowers; fruit attracts birds into fall and winter.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent as a specimen tree, lawn tree, or ornamental accent in mixed borders and streetside plantings. It is especially valued for showy rose-red bloom, glossy red fruit, attractive fall color, and generally good disease resistance.

Care: Plant in full sun with good air circulation for best flowering and fruiting. Water regularly during establishment, then during dry periods as needed. Prune lightly in late winter to remove damaged, crossing, or crowded branches and maintain its rounded framework.

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

15-20'

Width

15-20'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Hot Pink, Pink

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Orange Red

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Corner Accent, Specimen

Shape

Broad, Rounded

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No