Malus Mokum is a distinctive ornamental crabapple variety, celebrated for its dynamic seasonal appeal. This tree offers a captivating display, from its emerging foliage colors to its abundant spring blossoms. It is a unique addition to diverse landscapes.
Distinctive Features
The foliage of Malus Mokum undergoes a striking transformation throughout the growing season. New leaves emerge with a vibrant purplish-red hue in spring, gradually maturing to a rich bronze-green during summer. As autumn arrives, the leaves transition again, displaying mellow golden yellow shades before falling.
In mid to late spring, Malus Mokum produces an abundance of fragrant, deep pink to purplish-pink flowers. These showy, often large, blossoms measure up to 4 centimeters across and emerge from purple-brown buds, creating a visually striking display. The profuse blooms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Following the floral display, small, spherical, and generally inedible fruits develop. These crabapples are typically dark red to maroon or violet red, measuring between 1.2 to 1.8 centimeters. They persist on the tree into late summer, autumn, and often through winter, providing sustained ornamental interest and serving as a food source for birds.
Malus Mokum typically grows to a height of 4 to 8 meters (approximately 13 to 26 feet) and can achieve a spread of 4 to 8 meters over 10 to 20 years. The tree develops an oval to spreading crown with an upright habit, making it suitable for various garden sizes, including smaller spaces.
Planting and Site Selection
Selecting an appropriate site is important for establishing a healthy Malus Mokum tree. This crabapple thrives best in locations that receive full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate partial shade. Adequate sunlight supports vibrant flowering and fruiting cycles.
The tree is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions but prefers moderately fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. It can grow successfully in chalky, clay, loamy, or sandy soils, and tolerates a broad pH range from acidic to alkaline to neutral. Proper soil drainage is necessary to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the tree’s health.
When planting a Malus Mokum, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the tree’s root ball to allow roots to spread easily. Place the tree in the center, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground, then backfill with soil, gently firming to remove air pockets. Incorporating compost into the backfill can improve soil structure and nutrient content.
Consider the mature size of Malus Mokum when determining its placement. Allow sufficient space from buildings, utilities, and other plants to accommodate its mature height and spread. This foresight ensures proper air circulation around the tree, which can help mitigate potential disease issues.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is important for Malus Mokum, particularly during its establishment period and extended dry spells. The tree benefits from regular moisture, ideally once every 1-2 weeks, to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. This approach helps the tree thrive.
While Malus Mokum generally requires little aftercare once established, an annual application of well-rotted compost as a mulch can improve soil moisture retention and structure. A general granular plant food applied in spring can provide necessary nutrients, especially if soil tests indicate deficiencies. Avoid excessive fertilization, as this can sometimes increase disease susceptibility.
Pruning, if necessary, should be minimal for Malus Mokum. The ideal time for shaping or removing unwanted branches is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, or in July or August after flowering. Focus on removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation within the canopy and maintain the tree’s overall form.
Malus Mokum is a hardy tree, generally resistant to frost. While it can tolerate some drought once established, providing consistent moisture remains beneficial.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Malus Mokum exhibits a good level of resistance to several common crabapple diseases. It is noted as only slightly susceptible to apple scab and rarely affected by powdery mildew or canker. However, like other crabapples, it can still encounter certain issues if conditions are unfavorable.
Common diseases that may affect crabapples include apple scab, powdery mildew, cedar-apple rust, and fire blight. Apple scab can manifest as dark blotches and velvety growth on leaves, leading to premature yellowing and leaf drop. Powdery mildew appears as white fungal growth on leaves, while cedar-apple rust causes orange spots.
Pests such as aphids, including rosy apple aphid and woolly aphid, can sometimes affect Malus Mokum. Other potential pests include Japanese beetles, spider mites, scale insects, apple sawfly, and codling moths. Signs of infestation can include leaf yellowing, wilting, or distorted foliage.
Prevention through good cultural practices is the primary defense against pests and diseases. Ensuring good air circulation within the tree’s canopy by selective pruning helps deter fungal issues. Sanitation, such as promptly removing fallen leaves and fruit, can also reduce disease spread.