Crabapple - Centurion

This tree is a handsome and hardworking choice for any sunny garden.

• A Spectacular Spring Bloom: In mid-spring, the Centurion commands attention. The entire tree erupts in a breathtaking display of deep, rosy-red flowers that are a magnet for bees and other early pollinators. The sheer volume and rich color of the blossoms make it a true showstopper.
• A Space-Saving Shape: Its upright, vase-like growth habit makes it an excellent choice for planting along a driveway, as a vertical accent in a garden bed, or in smaller yards where a wide-spreading tree would be too much. It draws the eye upward, adding a sense of height and elegance.
• Brilliant Red Fruit: After the flowers fade, the tree produces a heavy crop of small, glossy, cherry-red crabapples. The fruit is very persistent, meaning it hangs onto the branches long after the leaves have fallen. It provides a wonderful pop of color against the winter snow and a valuable food source for birds.
• Good Disease Resistance: The Centurion boasts a good health record, with strong resistance to fire blight and cedar-apple rust, and fair resistance to scab and powdery mildew. This means it stays looking handsome with less fuss.

The Centurion Crabapple is easy to please, as long as it gets the sunshine it craves.

• Hardiness Zones: This very hardy tree is an excellent choice for colder climates, thriving in USDA Zones 4-8.
• Sunlight: To get the most magnificent flower display and the best fruit production, you must plant your Centurion Crabapple in full sun. Plan for a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Soil: It is adaptable to a variety of soil types but will perform best in a moist, well-drained, slightly acidic loam. Good drainage is the most important factor to keep it happy.
• Can it grow in a container? No. As a medium-sized tree, it needs to be planted in the ground to develop the strong root system necessary to support its upright form and yearly fruit crop.

The Centurion is a reliable tree that does not demand a lot of attention.

• Watering: Water your new tree regularly and deeply for the first year or two to help it establish a strong root system. Once mature, it has good drought tolerance but will always perform best with occasional watering during long, hot, and dry periods.
• Pruning: The Centurion has a great natural form, so it requires minimal pruning. The best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring while the tree is dormant. You should only need to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain good health and structure.
• Feeding: In most average garden soils, your crabapple will not need much fertilizer. A light feeding in the spring with a balanced, all-purpose tree fertilizer is more than enough if you feel your soil is lacking.
• Pollination: The Centurion is self-fertile, so you only need one tree to get fruit. Planting another variety of crabapple or apple nearby can sometimes increase the size of the crop.

The flowers are the main event in spring. They are a deep rose-red and open just before the leaves emerge, completely covering the tree. The fruit follows, ripening in the fall to a bright, glossy, cherry-red. The crabapples are small, about a half-inch in diameter. While technically edible, they are very tart and are best left for their beautiful ornamental display and for the birds to enjoy through the winter.

The Centurion grows at a moderate pace, steadily building its unique and beautiful form.

• Years 1-3: The young tree will focus on establishing its roots, with steady upward growth. You may see the first flowers in its third year.
• Years 4-6: Growth will continue at a moderate pace. Flowering will become much more dramatic, and the tree will begin to reliably produce its brilliant red fruit.
• At Maturity: The Centurion Crabapple will reach a mature size of about 20 to 25 feet tall with a narrower spread of about 15 feet wide, forming its handsome, vase-shaped canopy.

As mentioned, the Centurion has a good record for disease resistance. Planting it in a sunny location with good air circulation is the best way to prevent any potential issues. A healthy tree is its own best defense.

For the gardener who wants to add a splash of vibrant color and a strong vertical element to their landscape, the Centurion Crabapple is a perfect choice. Its unique shape makes it a wonderful solution for smaller yards, and its multi-season interest provides beauty from the first bloom of spring to the last persistent fruit of winter. It is a tough, reliable, and truly beautiful tree that will stand guard in your garden for years to come.