Sargent Tina Crabapple

Full bloom

Malus sargentii 'Tina'

Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced

Last updated

Sargent Tina is the smallest ornamental crabapple in commerce — meaningfully smaller than even ‘Lollipop’ (8-10 ft) — and fills the most extreme dwarf-Malus design niche in PNW landscapes. The 5 × 6 ft mature size on a typical top-grafted standard makes it the only true crabapple suited to: large container culture (18-24+ inch diameter pots), miniature gardens, paired entry-alcove specimens flanking a doorway or gate, micro-courtyards, rooftop plantings, and other ultra-tight spaces where Lollipop or Coralburst would still be too large. Outstanding disease resistance (Excellent on scab, rust, and mildew; Good on fire blight per JFS) supports reliable performance in maritime PNW conditions. The diminutive proportions extend through every feature — flowers, fruit, and leaves are all scaled to match the dwarf habit. Sourcing note: Tina is typically more difficult to find at PNW retail nurseries than Lollipop; specialty growers and design-grade wholesale nurseries (Sky Nursery, Furney's, Cornell Farm in Portland) are the better sourcing options. Container care: large pot with quality potting mix, regular watering and feeding, protection from extreme winter freeze (containers freeze faster than in-ground soil), repot every 3-5 years to refresh root structure.

— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist

Plant Profile

Size & Form

Height
5 ft
Spread
6 ft
Growth Rate
Slow (dwarf genetics; takes 10-15 years to reach mature size)
Size at 20 yr
5 ft (typically reaches mature height around 10-15 years and stays compact thereafter)
Lifespan
40-60 years typical

Site Requirements

Light
Full sun (best flower and fruit production)
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
Soil pH
5.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Water
Moderate
Drought Tolerance
Moderate when in-ground; less tolerant in container culture where root volume is limited
Hardiness
Zones 4–8 (M. sargentii is reliably cold hardy)

Ornamental Interest

Bloom Time
Late April to mid-May (Puget Sound); mid-season blooming
Fall Color
Yellow-bronze; not a primary ornamental feature
Origin
Cultivar; naturally dwarf selection of Malus sargentii
Watch for this season

Bloom Infection Window

Active Conidial Spread

First Flight

Diseases: Regionally Documented (3)

Diseases: Other Associations (1)

Pests: Regionally Documented (3)

Phenological Calendar

As of June 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2435.5 to 2672.8 GDD₃₂. Sargent Tina Crabapple has passed full bloom (1305 GDD₃₂).

Regional Season Tracker

GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 3, 2026
Station GDD₃₂ Current Stage Next To Go
Issaquah / East King 2,673 Full bloom
Kent / Auburn 2,665 Full bloom
Seattle / UW 2,610 Full bloom
Olympia / Tumwater 2,570 Full bloom
Tacoma / Puyallup 2,535 Full bloom
Bellingham / Whatcom 2,533 Full bloom
Sequim / Rain Shadow 2,436 Full bloom
View full calendar (2 stages)
Stage GDD32 Typical Window
Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 990 Late April (Puget Sound)
Full bloom BBCH 65 NOW 1305 Late April to early May (Puget Sound)

Source: HortGuide regional interpretation based on Morton Arboretum bloom timing About GDD₃₂ →

Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Jun 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 19, 2026, then climate normals.

Data Maturity
Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.