Maria Crabapple – Malus ‘Maria’

Maria Crabapple – Malus ‘Maria’ is 19 years old [2]

Maria Crabapple is a compact tree that typically matures to 10′ tall and as wide. Spectacular pink blossoms are well-accented by maroon-over-green foliage. Maria crab shows only fair resistance to the big four: apple scab, powdery mildew, fire blight and cedar-rust.

I can tell you this is one impressive tree. Photos can’t do it justice – especially if the day turns cloudy. This tree lives at Crabapple Lake on the Morton Arboretum’s east side. Imo one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I’m not exaggerating. On a spring day, with love in the air? This place has entranced me since I first visited back in 1978. The flowering trees section on the west side is not to be missed, either – but the lake has Crabapple hill and you can look across at acres of crabapples in bloom. Amazing!

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause considerable damage to leaves and fruit of susceptible cultivars without threatening the health of the tree. Poor air circulation, close association with susceptible apple cultivars, and wet, humid weather conditions will greatly influence disease incidence and severity. [3]

I most often have problems with powdery mildew on my lilac bushes. Nearly every year the lilac gets it and if the rains and winds are right, it can spread to my zinnias, in which case they are toast. Oh well. Not much you can do about it!

Maria Crabapple blossoms & foliage

References

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