Malus Apple

A large group of popular flowering trees that have been long cultivated for fruit production and impressive floral qualities. The small trees generally develop a rounded framework of irregular branching. In spring, a wealth of blossoms cloak the stems prior to leaf emergence. Flowers run the range of colors from pure white through shades of pink and red. When properly pollinated the flowers develop into apples by fall. Though all are edible they are tremendously variable spanning a range of sizes from diminutive pea-sized "crabapples" to those that approach the proportions of a grapefruit. The fruit is attractive and adds much seasonal value to the ornamental garden. Plants are generally easily cultivated showing best performance in full sun locations with evenly moist, organic rich soils. Care should be taken to avoid planting specimens in close proximity to junipers as they become predisposed to the harmful disease cedar apple rust.