Don’t be Crabby – The Crabapple Collection is in Bloom!

By Emily Sharma, Communications Intern, Royal Botanical Gardens.

Nature knows how to keep the good (spring) times rolling with new blooms around every corner. And we’re excited to share that the Malus (crabapple) collection is flowering at RBG! 

Malus was the first collection to be initiated at the Arboretum in 1956, and the garden area now features 103 individual trees! RBG’s collection focuses on ornamental – rather than culinary – crabapples, meaning they’ve curated a gorgeous, picturesque grove for guests to visit.  

A stunning sight, the flowering crabapple collection’s flowers feature a variety of cultivars that differ in size, colour and fragrance. Delicate blossoms of pink and white coat each tree beautifully, and a walk through the grove is a sure way to be engulfed in their competing perfumes.  

If you drive to the main entrance of the Arboretum, you will find the crabapples to the north (left) side of the road in. Breathe a sigh of relief that the slushy half of spring truly is over and dive into an enchanted grove of beautiful crabapple blossoms.  

This far into spring, some of the other flowering collections will have bloomed. Over 116 acres, the Arboretum has ample room for you to explore and marvel at the other blooms, including redbuds, magnolias, flowering cherries and more! Check out What’s in Bloom to see what awaits you. 

Venture up past the historical Rasberry House – in the far corner of the Arboretum you will find the entrance to the Pinetum Trail (Ray Lowes Side Trail). Experience RBG’s great network of trails and add a little adventure to your visit. Be on the lookout for spectacular spring ephemerals (wildflowers) popping up and listen for songs from migratory birds making their way through the nature lands.  

Having been through lockdowns, restrictions and an overall challenging year, safety is top of mind for many. You may decide to postpone your visit to the Gardens until later in the season – but that shouldn’t mean you miss out on the stunning changes of spring. Stay engaged with RBG’s virtual tours and programming! 

Royal Botanical Gardens’ Events Calendar has virtual and in-person activities – whether you want to go birding, learn how to ID our spring blooms or just bring a little more nature into your home, there is something for you.