Trees for Smaller Spaces

As we get started into the “Fall” months, let’s start to think about what we could use for next year in some of those future projects. Narrow, compact landscapes can present a design challenge. However, there are other options outside of a standard arborvitae or juniper.

Starlite®, Ivory Spear® and Sparkling Sprite® are ornamental crabapples (Malus). While Sparkling Sprite® is a small, round tree, both Starlite® and Ivory Spear® are very upright.

Starlite® (Malus x ‘Jeflife’) is a white-flowering crabapple. Described as a small-to-medium tree, roughly 15–20 feet tall and wide. Its spring flowers are white; small red fruit may follow, adding seasonal interest.

Ivory Spear® (Malus ‘JFS KW214MX’) has very tight and upright ascending branches that help to maintain its narrow form.  It is known to be 18 feet tall by 7 feet wide; spring brings red color buds that turn into white blooms.

Sparkling Sprite® (Malus ‘JFS-KW207) is a compact crabapple suited to smaller gardens and tight planting spaces. It is commonly described as reaching about 10–12 feet tall and wide, though mature size can vary with climate and care. Its white flowers open from pink buds, giving the spring display a soft, two-tone effect. Its compact habit is one reason it is considered for sites where a larger crabapple would be impractical.

Both of these crabapple trees can be used as a pollinator for customers wanting a fruiting apple tree.

Christensen's has both Starlite® and Sparkling Sprite® in stock and ready for current projects. Or, as you plan for spring 2027, contact our customer service staff to learn how you can put them on order. 

Reference: The Tree Book by Michael Dirr and Keith Warren