【Objective】Explore the adaptability and ornamental value of north American crabapple cultivars grown in southern China, and provide a theoretical basis for the effective introduction and cultivation of new crabapple varieties.【Method】Six north American crabapple cultivars (Manus ‘Black Jade,’ M. ‘Brandywine,’ M. ‘Profusion,’ M. ‘Royalty,’ M. ‘Strawberry Jelly’ and M. ‘Purple Gems’) were grown in southern China, and their phenology, ornamental values and heat tolerance were recorded.【Result】All six crabapple cultivars were able to germinate, grow, blossom and bear fruit normally in southern China, and specimens had high ornamental value. Over the summer period, we documented leaf damage (shrinkage, curling and scorching to differing degrees) under high temperature conditions. However, plants were able to physiologically adapt to these temperatures owing to the high thermal stability of their plasma membranes, and the effectiveness of both their antioxidant systems and their osmotic regulation.【Conclusion】Growth of north American crabapple cultivars in southern China was affected by high summer temperatures; however, physiological regulation allowed plants to complete their normal life cycle. Plants exhibited phenotypes with high ornamental value. Of the cultivars, ‘Black Jade’ performed the best, followed by ‘Brandywine’ and ‘Purple Gems.’ We show that certain north American crabapple cultivars are suitable for introduction and cultivation in southern China, and specific cultivars can be selected according to individual requirements.