What: Malus toringo subsp. sargentii “Tina” is an extreme dwarf crabapple tree. Candy apple red buds open to single white flowers. which in turn produce bright red quarter-inch fruit that smother the little tree. “Tina” is usually top grafted on a 4- or 5-foot trunk to make a topiary-like effect. It is excellent in small gardens and in mixed-flower schemes. It would also be effective on a terrace where space is at a premium. It is commonly referred to in the trade as “Sargent Tina.”
Where: This crabapple grows best and is most disease resistant in full sun. It will adapt to varying soils including sandy sites and clay, as long as the location does not have standing water during the winter.
Size: “Sargent Tina” grows to be 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide when mature.
Care: Once established it is drought tolerant. This selection was chosen for its superior disease resistance in the maritime Pacific Northwest. Prune young trees for good branch structure. Older trees should have limited pruning only to remove dead, broken or poorly formed branches. Pruning this tree can be tricky for the beginner, so consult an experienced pruner or take local classes before attempting to prune.
— Rick Steffen, Great Plant Picks
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