Crabapple, Transcendent, Bare Root

Crabapple, Transcendent (Malus domestica 'Transcendent')

The Transcendent crabapple is a remarkable heirloom variety renowned for its exquisite spring blooms, striking yellow-red fruit, and incredible versatility. Its fruit is small yet highly flavorful, offering a sweet-tart balance ideal for jellies, cider, and sauces. With its showy blossoms and persistent fruit that attract pollinators, birds, and wildlife, Transcendent is as ornamental as it is functional. This hardy and disease-resistant tree thrives in a range of conditions, making it a valuable addition to home orchards, food forests, and permaculture systems.

Key Characteristics

• Spectacular spring blooms
  In April and May, Transcendent bursts into a profusion of delicate white blossoms with pink tinges, attracting bees and other pollinators while adding beauty to the landscape.

• Vibrant fruit with culinary versatility
  The fruit, which ripens in late summer, features a striking yellow base with a red blush. Its sweet-tart flavor is perfect for making jellies, cider, and spiced preserves.

• Wildlife and pollinator-friendly
  The small fruit persists into fall, providing a food source for birds and other wildlife. The blossoms are a magnet for pollinators, making Transcendent an excellent companion for fruit tree guilds.

• Hardy and disease-resistant
  Tolerant of cold climates and resistant to many common diseases, including apple scab, Transcendent is a reliable and low-maintenance option for organic growing systems.

• Adaptable to diverse uses
  Suitable for edible landscapes, silvopasture systems, and orchards, Transcendent also excels in permaculture designs, providing both ecological and aesthetic benefits.

Product Details

• Native Range: Central Asia (cultivated heirloom)
• Plant Life Cycle: Deciduous
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Medium, well-draining
• Mature Height: 15–20 feet
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Color: White with pink tinges
• Fruit Qualities: Sweet-tart flavor, yellow-red fruit
• Fruit Uses: Jellies, cider, sauces, wildlife forage
• Fruit Ripening Month: Late summer (August to September)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8

Key Takeaways for Garden Success

Plant Transcendent in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Prune annually to promote healthy growth and optimal fruit production. Its cold hardiness and disease resistance make it an excellent choice for northern regions and low-maintenance gardens.