A graceful and cold-hardy ornamental, Malus baccata ‘Currant’ is a compact, deciduous crabapple with four-season appeal. In spring, it bursts into fragrant white blossoms tinged with blush pink, followed by masses of glossy, red fruit resembling clusters of red currants. These tiny, tart crabapples persist well into winter, delighting birds and brightening bare branches. With its modest size, rounded shape, and strong disease resistance, ‘Currant’ suits home gardens, pollinator plantings, and orchard borders as both a showpiece and a functional polliniser.
- Size: About 3–4 m high × 3–4 m wide
- Attributes: Cold-hardy, disease-resistant, moderate growth, reliable flowering
- Flowers: Fragrant white with pink blush; appear mid to late spring (Sep–Oct)
- Features: Glossy red fruit (1 cm), yellow autumn foliage, arching branches with a rounded habit
- Uses: Ornamental, pollinator support, apple orchard polliniser, preserves and jelly production
- Cultural Notes: Adaptable to a range of soils; prefers full sun; tolerates cold and wind
References:
University of Florida IFAS Extension
Plants For A Future
