Flowering crabapples are staples of many northern spring gardens. And almost every cultivar looks spectacular when in bloom with choices of flower color ranging from white through dark pinks and red.  So heed the advice of Dr. Jeff Iles and select your plant for overall good looks throughout the entire growing season.  This includes plant form, foliage, disease resistance, and attractive fruit.  The Brooklyn Botanic Garden includes ‘Tina’ crabapple among its top ten cultivars “worthy to know, show, and grow”.  

‘Tina’ is especially valuable for its dwarf (4- to 5- foot) stature so there should be room for one in a sunny spot in every garden.  Plentiful pink buds open to 1-inch creamy-white flowers that, when in full bloom, almost completely obscure the branches. Foliage, flowers, and fruit are all miniature in comparison with other cultivars.  The small (1/4 inch) purple-red fruits are persistent, providing food for the birds rather than debris to be swept up.   It is considered to have excellent disease resistance.  The Iowa Arboretum features a ‘Tina’ crabapple at the east entrance to the Grand Pavilion.  Look for its flowers this spring, its glossy foliage through the summer, and its beautiful fruits this fall.