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Description
Malus Royalty, also known as Crabapple Royalty, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a hybrid of Malus Floribunda and Malus Purpurea, two species of crabapple trees. It was first introduced in 1948 by the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center.This small tree can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, with a rounded shape. It is known for its stunning pink to purple blooms in the spring, which turn into dark purple foliage in the summer and fall. The tree also produces small, red fruits that persist into winter, attracting birds and other wildlife.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Malus |
Appearance
Malus Royalty is a small tree that can reach up to 20 feet in height and 15 feet in width. It has a rounded shape and a dense canopy. The tree is known for its pink to purple blooms in the spring, which are followed by dark purple foliage in the summer and fall. The leaves are ovate, 2-4 inches long, and have serrated edges. The tree also produces small, red fruits that persist into winter, providing food for birds and other wildlife.
Care Guide
To ensure the health and growth of Malus Royalty, it is important to follow these care guidelines:- Water: The tree should be watered regularly during the first few years after planting, especially during dry periods. Once established, the tree can tolerate some drought.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, following the manufacturer’s instructions.- Soil: Malus Royalty prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Malus Royalty is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Malus Royalty is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:- Apple scab: A fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves and fruits.- Fire blight: A bacterial disease that causes wilting and blackening of the leaves and branches.- Cedar apple rust: A fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the leaves and fruits.- Aphids: Small insects that can cause curling and yellowing of the leaves.- Spider mites: Tiny insects that can cause yellowing and mottling of the leaves.To prevent these problems, it is important to maintain good tree care practices, such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning.
Habitat
Malus Royalty is native to North America and is commonly found in gardens, parks, and public spaces. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. The tree is also tolerant of urban pollution and can be planted in cities and suburban areas.
Question and Answer
Q: When is the best time to prune Malus Royalty?A: The best time to prune Malus Royalty is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.Q: How often should I fertilize Malus Royalty?A: Malus Royalty should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.Q: Can Malus Royalty tolerate drought?A: Yes, once established, Malus Royalty can tolerate some drought.Q: How do I prevent apple scab in Malus Royalty?A: To prevent apple scab, it is important to clean up fallen leaves and fruits in the fall, as the fungus overwinters in these materials.
Related Plants
– Malus Floribunda- Malus Purpurea- Malus Sugar Tyme- Malus Pink Spires- Malus Dolgo
References
– “Malus Royalty.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280846.- “Crabapple Royalty.” University of Minnesota Extension, extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/crabapple-royalty.- “Malus Royalty.” North Carolina State University Extension, content.ces.ncsu.edu/malus-royalty.
