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Own A Vibrant Pink Crabapple Tree from McKay Nursery
Here at McKay Nursery, we offer an extensive selection of beautiful trees, including the eye-catching Pink Sparkles® flowering crabapple tree. Located in Waterloo, Wisconsin, our nursery is committed to growing hardy and vibrant plants for your landscaping needs.
Order your very own pink crabapple tree today and bring a vibrant spark of color to your landscape! For more information, contact us at [email protected] or call us at 920-478-2121.
- Sun
Mature Plant Size (H x W):
12-15' x 10-12' 
Bloom Season:
Spring
- Attracts Birds
- Salt Tolerant
- Winter Interest
- Attractive Fruit
- Attracts Pollinators
Planting & Care for Pink Sparkles Crabapple Trees (Malus Malusquest)
Preparation
- The Pink Sparkles® Crabapple produces abundant red berries that attract wildlife and provide winter interest.
- Prune as needed in late winter to avoid creating open wounds in the spring.
- Keep in mind that heavy pruning will reduce the amount of spring blossoms.
- Remove suckers that appear on the base and trunk of the tree.
Opening Plant Material
- Grow Bags: Remove the bag by using a utility knife to slit up the side and peel off the fabric exposing the soil and roots. Plant the root ball just like you would a container plant. No trimming of roots is necessary for grow bags.
Planting Grow Bags
- Plant grow bags in spring or fall.
- Plant the root ball just like you would a container plant. No trimming of roots is necessary for grow bags.
- Notice where the base of the trunk flares out from the tree. This is called the root flare. This root flare should show when the tree is planted. Add soil under the ball so the root flare is exposed if necessary.
- Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
- Backfill the hole with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
- Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
- See our link for a downloadable Plant and Handling Guide with illustrations.
Pruning - After Planting
- Grow Bags: Although it’s not essential after planting, light pruning can help shape a Pink Sparkles® crabapple tree. Doing so removes any broken branches from shipping or thins out a heavily branched plant to assist in the transplanting process and the appearance of your new planting.
Pruning - Through-out the Season
- Although some flowers may be lost, it’s best to prune this tree as needed in late winter.
- Spring pruning should be avoided as it produces fresh, open cuts where fireblight bacterium can enter.
Watering - After Planting
- Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
- Beyond the six-week establishment period, water once per week unless rain occurs.
- Remember to check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil around 3”.
Watering - Through-out the Season
- After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
- How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it’s dry, give it a good soak with the hose end (no nozzle), watering the soil only, not the leaves.
- Same as after planting, stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fruits from Pink Sparkles® flowering pink crabapple trees edible?
What are the common problems with Pink Sparkles® crabapple trees?
What is the best growing zone for flowering crabapples?
Why is my Pink Sparkles® crabapple tree dying?
What do you spray on crabapple trees?
Planting & Handling Help
Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.
Learn More
Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.
Plant Sizing
What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?
Shipping Times
Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.
Shipping Dates by Region*
Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th
Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th
Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th
Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th
Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th
Shipping Dates by Season*
Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May
Fall Shipping: September - November
Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.