Red Barron Crabapple
Malus 'Red Barron'
Red Barron Crabapple (Malus 'Red Barron') is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Upright form.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Malus 'Red Barron'
- Variety / cultivar
- Red Barron
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–20 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~12 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- pink
- Bloom time
- mid spring, late spring
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Fireblight (bacterial; worse in warm, wet springs)
- Cedar-apple rust
- Codling moth on fruiting types
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Red Barron Crabapple good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Red Barron Crabapple is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Red Barron Crabapple get?
- It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide.
- How much room does Red Barron Crabapple need?
- Give Red Barron Crabapple about 12 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Red Barron Crabapple grow into?
- Red Barron Crabapple typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Red Barron Crabapple hardy on the Front Range?
- Red Barron Crabapple is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Red Barron Crabapple need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Red Barron Crabapple grow?
- Red Barron Crabapple is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Red Barron Crabapple live?
- Red Barron Crabapple has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Red Barron Crabapple safe for dogs?
- No. Red Barron Crabapple is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Red Barron Crabapple deer-resistant?
- No. Red Barron Crabapple is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Red Barron Crabapple prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Red Barron Crabapple can be affected by fireblight (bacterial; worse in warm and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
