Dolgo Crabapple Tree

Dolgo Crabapple trees are a versatile and ornamental addition to any garden, producing small, tangy fruit and a stunning display of white blossoms in spring. The bright red, tart apples are perfect for making preserves, jellies, and cider, adding bold flavor to your recipes. This hardy tree thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, requiring moderate chill hours and performing well in a variety of climates. In addition to its edible fruit, Dolgo Crabapple provides year-round interest, with vibrant blossoms, attractive foliage, and excellent resistance to common diseases. Whether planted for its fruit or as a pollinator for other apple varieties, Dolgo Crabapple is a standout choice for both beauty and utility.

• M-111 apple rootstock (full-sized)
• Zones: 3-9
• Chill Hours: 400-600
• Bloom Time: Early Spring
• Harvest: Late August - Early September

Looks: A picturesque tree with delicate white flowers in spring that give way to small, oblong, bright red fruits. Its attractive green foliage turns a stunning yellow in fall, adding seasonal beauty to any landscape.

Personality: Renowned for its tart and tangy flavor, the Dolgo Crabapple is versatile—perfect for making jelly, cider, or adding a zesty kick to recipes. Its fruits are small but packed with intense flavor, and they’re also excellent for attracting wildlife.

Facts of Note: The Dolgo Crabapple is hardy and highly adaptable, thriving in a wide range of climates, even in the coldest regions. The fruit is exceptionally high in pectin, making it a favorite for preserving. Introduced from Siberia in the late 1800s, it has become a cherished variety for both its ornamental beauty and practical uses.

Pollination: Self-fruitful but will enhance pollination for nearby apple trees.

Whether for its gorgeous blooms, vibrant fruits, or multi-purpose harvest, the Dolgo Crabapple is a charming addition to home orchards and wildlife-friendly gardens.

(Malus 'Dolgo'): A long-time favorite all-purpose crabapple variety, this tree bears its heritage from Russia, having been imported in the late 19th century. Revered for its enduring appeal and versatility, the Dolgo Crabapple Tree boasts a robust profile with an upright, open growth habit that reaches dimensions of up to 30 by 25 feet.

The Dolgo Crabapple Tree is distinguished by its abundant and striking features. Sprouting large, fragrant white flowers, it offers an aesthetic flourish during its blooming phase. Beyond its ornamental charm, the tree produces distinctive 1 1/2-inch oval-shaped red fruits that are not only visually pleasing but also serve as a foundation for delectable, bright red jelly.

Embodying resilience, the Dolgo Crabapple Tree exhibits an innate resistance to common ailments including scab, rust, mildew, and fire blight, which ensures its longevity and vitality. Boasting a self-sufficient nature, the tree requires approximately 500 chilling hours to thrive, making it a hardy contender for various climates.

Moreover, its self-fruitfulness renders it a valuable pollenizer for many commercial apple varieties, a feature that underscores its broader ecological significance. Overall, the Dolgo Crabapple Tree stands as a testament to horticultural history and enduring botanical excellence, embodying both aesthetic allure and functional utility.

USDA hardiness zones: 3 - 9. 

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