Contents
1. Description
Malus John Downie, also known as John Downie crabapple, is a small fruit-bearing tree that is native to Europe and Asia. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and is a popular choice for gardens and orchards due to its attractive flowers and fruits.The tree can grow up to a height of 20 feet and spread up to 25 feet wide. It has a rounded shape with a dense crown of branches. In spring, it produces a profusion of pinkish-white flowers that are followed by small yellow-green fruits that turn red in late summer. The fruits are edible, but they are tart and are usually used for making jellies and preserves.
2. Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————–|—————|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Spermatophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Rosales|| Family| Rosaceae|| Genus| Malus|| Species| Malus John Downie |
3. Appearance
Malus John Downie has an attractive appearance throughout the year. In spring, it produces pinkish-white flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers are followed by small yellow-green fruits that turn red in late summer. The fruits are about 1 inch in diameter and have a tart flavor.The tree has a rounded shape with a dense crown of branches. The leaves are ovate and glossy, about 2-3 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. They have a serrated edge and are dark green in color. In fall, the leaves turn yellow and orange, adding to the tree’s ornamental value.
4. Care Guide
Malus John Downie is a hardy tree that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this tree:- Water: The tree prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought. Water the tree regularly during the growing season, especially during dry spells.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in early spring before new growth appears. Use a balanced fertilizer that is formulated for fruit trees.- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does not like heavy clay soil.- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Plant it in a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Malus John Downie is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
5. Common Pests & Diseases
Malus John Downie is susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:- Apple scab: This is a fungal disease that causes dark spots on the leaves and fruits. It can be prevented by planting disease-resistant varieties of crabapple trees and by keeping the tree’s foliage dry.- Cedar apple rust: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the leaves and fruits. It can be prevented by removing nearby cedar trees, which are the alternate host for the fungus.- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the tree’s leaves and shoots. They can be controlled by spraying the tree with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
6. Habitat
Malus John Downie is native to Europe and Asia but is widely cultivated in gardens and orchards around the world. It is a hardy tree that can tolerate a range of growing conditions, including cold winters and hot summers.The tree prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is often used as an ornamental tree in landscapes due to its attractive flowers and fruits.
7. Question and Answer
Q: How tall does Malus John Downie grow?A: Malus John Downie can grow up to a height of 20 feet.Q: Is Malus John Downie a fruit-bearing tree?A: Yes, Malus John Downie produces small yellow-green fruits that are edible but tart.Q: What is the best time to fertilize Malus John Downie?A: Fertilize Malus John Downie in early spring before new growth appears.Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect Malus John Downie?A: Some common pests and diseases that affect Malus John Downie include apple scab, cedar apple rust, and aphids.
8. Related Plants
– Malus floribunda (Japanese flowering crabapple)- Malus ‘Royal Raindrops’ (ornamental crabapple)- Malus ‘Red Jade’ (ornamental crabapple)- Malus ‘Prairifire’ (ornamental crabapple)- Malus ‘Golden Hornet’ (ornamental crabapple)
9. References
– Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing.- Malus ‘John Downie’. (n.d.). Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b986.- Malus ‘John Downie’. (n.d.). Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/66022/Malus-John-Downie/Details.
