Admiration

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Malus Admiration is a naturally dwarf crab-apple tree, which grows very slowly with a compact upright habit. 

Although the tree is small it has an exceptional blossom display, which rivals many a flowering cherry. It is also a useful pollinator of late-flowering apple trees.

The tiny crimson berry-like fruitlets are also borne in abundance, and persist on the tree into early December. Their small size makes them popular with birds such as thrushes and blackbirds which can eat them whole.

After 10 years this tree is likely to be around 2.5m or so tall, and perhaps 3m after 20 years. The mature spread at the top of the tree could be up to 1.5m, with a very upright and columnar form.

Growing and Training

Malus Admiration has good disease resistance, and is particularly resistant to fireblight.

History

Malus 'Admiration' was developed by Dr Donald Egolf of the US National Arboretum. In the USA it is known as Malus 'Adirondack'.

Admiration characteristics

• Gardening skillBeginner
• Fruit persistencePersistent
• Self-fertile?Self-fertile
• Pollinating othersGood
• Pick seasonVery late
• PruningLight prune
• Country of originUnited States
• Period of origin1950 - 1999
• Fruit colourRed

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