How to Grow and Care for Starlite Crabapple

The Starlite Crabapple, or Malus ‘Jefstar’, is an ornamental tree prized for its spring flowers, persistent winter fruit, and distinct, narrow form. Developed in Manitoba, Canada, this cultivar offers aesthetic value throughout the year. Its upright growth makes it an excellent fit for various landscape applications, including properties with limited space.

Starlite Crabapple Characteristics

Flowers

In mid-spring, the Starlite Crabapple becomes covered in dense clusters of fragrant, pure white flowers. These blossoms emerge from red buds just before the leaves appear, creating a striking contrast. The abundance of blooms makes the tree a focal point in any garden during its flowering season in late May or early June.

Fruit

Following the floral display, the tree produces small, shiny red fruits known as pomes, measuring about one-third to one-half inch in diameter. They are carried in large quantities from early to late fall and persist on the branches through winter, adding visual interest. The fruit also serves as a food source for birds during the colder months.

Foliage and Fall Color

Throughout the growing season, the Starlite Crabapple features glossy, dark green foliage that provides a rich backdrop for its flowers and fruit. The pointy leaves give the tree a full and healthy appearance all summer. In autumn, the foliage transitions to a vibrant yellow, offering another season of color.

Size and Shape

The Starlite Crabapple is distinguished by its upright, narrow, and oval growth habit. At maturity, it reaches a height of about 25 feet with a spread of 15 feet. This columnar form makes it well-suited for smaller yards or as a vertical accent. Its contained shape allows it to be planted in tight spaces like along property lines, provided a root space of at least 10 feet is maintained.

Planting and Site Selection

The Starlite Crabapple thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 7. This wide range indicates its cold hardiness, a trait from its Canadian origins, making it a reliable choice for northern landscapes.

This tree requires full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, for optimal flowering and health. It is adaptable to various soil types, including heavy clay and sandy soils, but performs best in well-drained conditions. The tree does not tolerate waterlogged or consistently soggy soil.

When planting, dig a hole one-and-a-half times the width of the root ball but only as deep as the root ball itself. Place the tree in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding ground. Backfill with a mixture of existing soil and organic matter, tamping down to remove air pockets. After planting, create a soil ring around the base and water the tree thoroughly.

Ongoing Tree Care

A newly planted Starlite Crabapple requires regular, deep watering during its first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during extended dry periods. Maintain average to moist soil conditions without allowing the ground to become saturated.

This crabapple does not require routine fertilization. If growth appears stunted or the leaves lack their deep green color, a soil test can determine if nutrient deficiencies are present. If fertilization is needed, apply it in the spring before new growth begins.

Pruning is best performed in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain the tree’s health and appearance. Due to its naturally upright form, the Starlite Crabapple requires minimal structural pruning to preserve its shape.

Disease and Pest Profile

The Starlite Crabapple has excellent resistance to common diseases. It is not susceptible to apple scab, a fungal disease that damages other crabapple varieties. It also shows good resistance to fire blight, cedar-apple rust, and powdery mildew, allowing it to maintain a healthy appearance without chemical sprays.

While robust against diseases, the tree can attract pests. Aphids, Japanese beetles, or tent caterpillars may occasionally appear. Regular monitoring helps spot issues early, which can be managed with non-chemical interventions or targeted treatments if necessary.