Still labelled in various catalogues as speciality tree which usually reads as rare, unknown, uncommon or unimportant. I hope my interpretation is wrong. But to see Malus tschonoskii in gardens or parks is a rare view because this exceptionally ornamental tree is quite unknown. While its spectacular orange, red and bronze leaves in the autumn are truly uncommon, I keep asking myself this question: why has it been of little importance to us? I do not know the answer although I have my suspicions. Maybe the fact that Malus tschonoskii isa real apple tree we sort of expect beautiful flowers and edible or at least brightly coloured little apples. Who wants to grow an apple tree for leaves? Well, I am sure everybody providing they see Chonosuki crab clad in royal reds and purples every fall. The view is breathtaking! And that's it!
The best way to get convinced, would be to go to e.g., Japan where Malus tschonoskii naturally grows and see what its leaves do in the fall when the nights start to be cold. That cold nights are like a touch of the magic wand. The leaves loose their green color and reveal all kinds of bright yellow, orange and red hues which make the whole tree look like a flaming torch. The scene is especially powerful right before the sunset and I do recommend that experience to everyone.
Chonosuki crab is a medium-sized tree with a narrow conical crown. It grows quite vigorously forming upright branches decorated with silver grey and green leaves in the spring. The small white and sometimes slightly pink flowers appear in clusters but are not too visible, still they add a lot of charm to the spring garden. The leaves remain green until early October or later. It all depends on the previously mentioned cold nights. And then they can turn their colour literally overnight. Among the leaves are hidden small (2 cm /1 in. in width) round greenish and purple apples whose taste can sprain the jaws of those who venture to eat them. Please, do not do it or just the opposite: do it and learn what it means to be sour and tart, good luck!
Malus tschonoskii is a great choice for small and big gardens as well as parks and city streets. It thrives in full sun and tolerates light shade. It grows well in every type of soil providing it is moist but well-drained. All that modest requirements make the Chonosuki crab possible to be grown in big containers and use for patio and balcony decorations. Of course it suffers from the same diseases and pests as regular apple trees but such afflictions can easily be controlled with one exception: fireblight. But do not worry in advance, usually the tree growth vigorously if cared for properly.
The music background for today's slideshow comes form The Pearl Fishers and makes a clear reference to Malus tschonoskii - a pearl among the apple trees.
Chonosuki crab is a medium-sized tree with a narrow conical crown. It grows quite vigorously forming upright branches decorated with silver grey and green leaves in the spring. The small white and sometimes slightly pink flowers appear in clusters but are not too visible, still they add a lot of charm to the spring garden. The leaves remain green until early October or later. It all depends on the previously mentioned cold nights. And then they can turn their colour literally overnight. Among the leaves are hidden small (2 cm /1 in. in width) round greenish and purple apples whose taste can sprain the jaws of those who venture to eat them. Please, do not do it or just the opposite: do it and learn what it means to be sour and tart, good luck!
Malus tschonoskii is a great choice for small and big gardens as well as parks and city streets. It thrives in full sun and tolerates light shade. It grows well in every type of soil providing it is moist but well-drained. All that modest requirements make the Chonosuki crab possible to be grown in big containers and use for patio and balcony decorations. Of course it suffers from the same diseases and pests as regular apple trees but such afflictions can easily be controlled with one exception: fireblight. But do not worry in advance, usually the tree growth vigorously if cared for properly.
The music background for today's slideshow comes form The Pearl Fishers and makes a clear reference to Malus tschonoskii - a pearl among the apple trees.
Jarek
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