Malus Floribunda

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Rosaceae

Order

Rosales

Genus

Malus

Species

floribunda

Description

A deciduous, third-sized tree with dense, globular crown. Its high ornamental value is attributed to the luxuriant and elegant spring flowering, followed by small, decorative fruits (false fruits), as well as to the autumn foliage full of lustrous hues. Versatile and highly rustic, it is suitable for gardens and terraces as well as parks and urban green areas, either as a single specimen or in groups or rows.

Varietal description

Flowering, not fruiting, apple trees are the great botanical novelty of this period; it includes many varieties with various colours, bearing, and fruit colouring that are more ornamental than edible. Selections of European and American origin. A tree of reduced height and elegant habit, it has a rounded, dense crown with regular branches. Leaves light green in spring and yellow in autumn. Early and abundant flowering with great ornamental effect also in autumn. Fruits remain on the tree for a long time and do not soil pavements, unlike the plum tree. It is very hardy and adaptable to various types of soils and growing environments; it has also adapted well to urban climates, showing excellent resistance to heat stress. It requires a sunny exposure and tolerates partially shady areas. A tree with a wide and medium rooting depth that prefers fresh, drained soils rich in organic matter, but grows well in all soil types. Tree with excellent botanical and functional performance for various types of landscape use. Tree typically for parkland and peri-urban belt areas in rows or small groups. Also suitable for parks, gardens, green roofs and industrial and residential areas. Resistant to pathogens and pruning, which must respect the architecture of the crown form.

curiosity and special features

Some varieties of flowering apple trees are often used for ornamental purposes as well as for pollination of orchards, and their small fruits may also be welcome by birds during the colder period.

Origin and Diffusion

A hybrid originating in Korea obtained by crossing M. baccata × M. toringo. Many of the current selections are of European origin.

Leaf

The leaves have toothed, oblong lamina.

Flowering period

The early and abundant blossoming appears from early spring to late spring for a duration of 15 to 25 days with a profusion of flowers grouped in umbrella-like corymbs that give elegance and colour to your green spaces, as well as attracting useful insects for pollination and biodiversity protection.

Leaf color

Solid-coloured, in perfect colour balance with the snow-white shades of the elegant flowers. The leaves also turn to golden-yellow shades in a scenic autumn foliage.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 3 to 12 m, representing a third size tree.

Lifespan

Perennial deciduous tree.

Suggested planting locations

Its luxuriant and scenic flowering and the size it has reached make it suitable as a bedding tree , large pots, open field, terraces, green roofs

Stem/stem

The stem is woody with smooth grey-brown bark; the variety has no thorns.

Growth

Shrub or small tree with medium to vigorous growth.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is erect and balanced, with dense rounded foliage.

branching

Theabundant and regular branching gives the plant a dense and harmonious appearance, allowing medium but sufficient shade.

pH

The ideal soil pH for flowering apple trees is between 6.0 and 7.0.

soil preparation

Before transplanting at the end of winter, choose the most suitable location, in relation to the needs of the plant, and use a spade to make the planting hole at least one third the size of the root or root ball volume, removing any weeds and bulky pebbles. Add organic matter and apply organic or chemical granular fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants. Finally, distribute professional substrate about 5/10 cm on the surface and level out well.

sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in bright shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 0.0 and 30 °C for optimal vegetative growth.

Use

The white and elegant flowering gives it a primary role in:
Outdoor ornamental Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping

Hardiness

Ahighly rustic plant, it adapts to different soil conditions and growing environments, even in urban areas.

Soil/medium

It prefers fresh, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

Maintenance

The cultivation of flowering apple trees is easy with an overall average level of management effort required following proper establishment in the new planting site.

cultivation tips

Here are some specific cultivation aspects and tricks to achieve better vegetative growth and lush flowering:

Balanced fertilisation Expose the plant to maximum light Avoid over-watering Require little but regular fertilisation

planting

Apply an average density of 2000 plants/ha choosing healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle of 'the right plant in the right place'.

Carry out the transplanting work with the soil in temperate conditions, never too dry or wet. Proceed by placing the root ball in the planting hole, previously dug and kept well moist, keeping it well compacted around the root and keeping the plant collar off the soil surface. The use of supports is suggested, to be tied appropriately to the stem with clips or elastic bands avoiding choking, as well as mulching at the foot to reduce weed development and root competition.

pruning

Carry out correct pruning of the vigorous growing branches in winter, respecting the natural architecture of the foliage. Indiscriminate pruning of stems and branches by 'pruning off' not only leads to an alteration of the natural habitus of the plant, but also to a lower resistance to biotic and abiotic agents as well as to a greater danger of failure.

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation can be by seed, cuttings and grafting.

Irrigation

After transplanting assist the plant, carrying out an initial abundant wetting to allow it to better develop the root system in the new site and keeping it at a constant humidity free of water stagnation. After transplanting, prevent both water saturation and dryness, giving water at a frequency and dose that is also commensurate with the climatic conditions during the different seasons.

Fertilization

When preparing the soil for transplanting, carry out basic fertilisation by applying organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants. After planting in the new planting site, make balanced fertilisation in spring and autumn without over- or under-fertilising.

Edibility for humans

An ornamental species, the fruits are not edible.

advise 1

A tree with a regular and balanced growth habit. The branching allows medium but sufficient shade. Requires little post-planting work: only emergency watering in summer. The colour variation from summer to autumn gives it an elegance and aesthetically pleasing effect in garden, park or terrace areas.