Malus 'Lancelot'

Lancelot Crabapple

Malus ‘Lancelot’ is a deciduous flowering crabapple tree, usually listed botanically as Malus × ‘Lanzam’ and sold under the trade name Lancelot®. It is valued for its compact dwarf habit, red to rose-pink buds that open to single white flowers, crisp green foliage, golden-yellow fall color, and small gold fruit that often persists into winter. It is also widely noted for excellent disease resistance.

Type: Deciduous flowering tree
Mature Size: 8–10' W x 8–10' H
USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Form: Compact, rounded to upright-oval, dense dwarf canopy
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Well-drained soil; moderate water during establishment, then moderate moisture
Bloom Time / Length: Mid-spring; red buds open to white single flowers
Wildlife: Flowers support pollinators, and the persistent fruit can provide seasonal interest for birds.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for small landscapes, entry plantings, patios, courtyards, and other tight spaces where a full-size crabapple would be too large. Its small stature, clean foliage, and persistent gold fruit make it one of the better compact crabapples for four-season interest. Some sources also note that it can flower and fruit in alternate years.

Care: Plant in full sun with good air circulation and well-drained soil for best flowering, fruiting, and overall health. Water regularly while establishing, then during dry spells as needed. Pruning is usually light and mainly limited to shaping or removing damaged wood. 

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

8-10'

Width

8-10'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Bloom time

Mid Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Fruit color

Amber

Soil

Average, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Corner Accent, Specimen

Shape

Dense, Oval Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No