Decorative tree with a bunch of red apples in autumn. Ornamental apple trees: description of species and varieties, cultivation features. Varieties and their characteristics

Decorative apple tree is separate option a unique decoration for your garden. It is grown solely for its appearance. These plants are small in size and very often bring no edible fruits. As representatives of ground cover plants, ornamental apple trees can look not only like trees, but also like deciduous shrubs. All of them have attractive white, pink, purple flowers. The fruits can be green, red, orange, and do not exceed 4 cm in size. With their elegance, decorative apple trees delight the eye until mid-winter, and sometimes longer. During this cold season, birds can also feed on them.

Weeping

The second name of this variety is riverside apple tree. It is mainly distributed in North America, but grows well on our continent, in this climate. Withstands even severe frosts, thanks to its thick bark. Capable of reaching a height of up to 12 m, provided proper care is taken.

It got its name due to the fact that, under the weight of leaves and apples, its flexible branches bend more and more towards the ground in the process of their life.

Nedzvetsky

This variety is most common in our area. According to many gardeners, it has no equal among fruit trees. It has an oval crown, which reaches a maximum height of 3.5 m, while the width is about 2.5 m, which gives it an even more rounded, cozy appearance. This beauty has purple flowers that attract the eye, crimson fruits about 4 cm in diameter. The only negative is that this variety can be damaged by severe frosts.

Apple tree with red leaves

Since this apple tree is a hybrid, it perfectly withstands all unfavorable conditions that can overtake it. Also, one of its advantages is its apparent resistance to scab and other diseases that affect its sisters.

The apple tree with red leaves grows up to 4 m in height and up to 3 m in width. Initially it produces purple leaves, and when the red apples ripen, it turns emerald. A red decorative apple tree delights its owner with a riot of colors. Tolerates frosts well.

Royalty

It differs in that it grows very slowly - from 8 to 10 years. After this time, you can get a tall representative - up to 5 m in height and 4 m in crown diameter. It has unusual narrow leaves with a glossy sheen. purple. IN autumn period they acquire a red tint, but do not lose their brightness and attractiveness. It is also resistant to frost, but does not tolerate acidification of the soil and stagnation of moisture in it.

Robin

It looks like a low bush in the shape of an oval. It has a wide dense crown. It differs in that its buds have a rich red color, which attracts attention even before they bloom. As a result, the apple tree is covered with red flowers, which begin to emit a pleasant raspberry aroma.

Chinese

It differs in that it has edible fruits, from which jam and compotes are often made. Perfectly suited for development in our regions, as well as more northern ones. This wild variety grows very quickly, approximately 20–30 cm every year. Capable of growing up to 10 meters in height. She is the owner of pleasant emerald leaves and snow-white flowers, which cover her during the flowering period and resemble a snowball.

Pioneer

Low representatives that can easily be formed into a crown, which makes it possible to make a hedge out of them. All you need to do is trim the young shoots correctly and you will get the hedge of your dreams. This representative of ornamental apple trees has bright blooms, which is why during this period it is all red.

Royal Beauty

Many gardeners note that this is the most beautiful representative with a weeping crown. Therefore, it is widely used in landscape design. The foliage has a rich red color, but by autumn it already has a green tint, gradually becoming emerald. Both the flowers and fruits have a purple tint, which makes this Royal Beauty attractive.

Rudolf

In order to decorate gardens and plots in a relatively short time, hybrid varieties were bred. Rudolph can also be included among them. It is quite tall, reaches 5 m in height, and has fairly dense foliage of a fresh green color. When creating all necessary conditions, can bloom for up to 1 month, which causes high demand on the plant market for the design and decoration of various gardens and plots.

Her flowers are white, collected in beautiful umbrellas of inflorescences. After Rudolph fades, honey-yellow apples appear, about 3 cm in diameter. By the way, they can be preserved and used in the form of jam. Externally, the rich, dense foliage with yellow apples looks very advantageous.

Planting and care

As a rule, these fruit trees are propagated by seeds.

One-year-old seedlings are planted in the ground in autumn or spring. Before planting a decorative apple tree, place the root system in water for 1 hour.

It is necessary to ensure that the roots do not dry out, this will negatively affect the further development of the seedling in your garden. The first year should not be fertilized, and in subsequent years, competent systematic feeding is mandatory. Sunny places or areas in slight shade are most suitable for planting.

You should choose drained soils rich in essential substances. It is useful to use mulching with high-moor peat. You can use it instead nut shell, pine bark or wood chips. These methods will help protect the soil from drying out. In addition, with a layer of mulch it is easier to weed, loosen, and water.

These plants do not like pruning. Therefore, it must be done carefully, cutting off branches that have dried or frozen after winter. This should be done in early spring. It is also necessary to remove and untangle branches growing deep into the crown, avoiding excessive thickening.

In order for the pollination process to occur, apple trees of a different variety are planted nearby. These trees feel best in single-species garden plots. Pear is suitable for the neighborhood; compatibility with it is the most favorable. It can also be placed next to cherries, sweet cherries, quince, plums, and raspberries. They do not get along at all with apricots, peach, walnut, barberry, lilac, viburnum. The root system of some neighbors produces a depressing effect. Therefore, choose your planting location in your garden carefully.

In the spring you should definitely spray with insecticides. Not worth carrying out chemical warfare with pests during flowering and fruiting. Despite the fact that most often the fruits of this variety are not eaten, they are eaten by birds. As you know, birds rid the garden of unnecessary insect pests. Chemicals can harm birds. Do not forget that bright apples can attract the attention of a child, who will pick and eat an apple treated with insecticides.

Unfortunately, such varieties are susceptible to diseases such as scab, powdery mildew. One of the most dangerous enemies is the burn. It is caused by the bacteria Erwinia amylovora. It spreads very quickly throughout the garden and is incurable. The secret of success is proper care and care. Then your garden will be the most beautiful!

Video “Overview of decorative apple trees”

From this video you will learn about the variety of varieties of ornamental apple trees and hear tips on caring for them.

Aesthetic design personal plots, parks, city alleys and squares is the main task of landscape designers and decorative artists. A green composition of well-chosen plants can decorate any recreation area. In order to decorate your garden plot, it is not necessary to purchase expensive ornamental plants. An apple tree with red leaves can be the highlight of any landscape project.

The popularity of this type of plant has led to the emergence of new varieties with improved aesthetic characteristics and taste qualities fruits Breeders have developed universal varieties of apple trees that not only decorate gardens and parks, but also delight owners with a stable harvest of fragrant fruits.

Overview of varieties with a brief description

The red-leaved apple tree is a type of ornamental fruit tree. For green compositions, this plant can be planted either one tree at a time or several plants together. Most varieties are used only for decorating the site due to the fact that the fruits have small sizes and unusual taste characteristics. Small apples become a delicacy in winter period for wild birds. As a result of the long and painstaking work of professional breeders, new varieties of apple trees have appeared, the aromatic fruits of which have juicy pulp and are used not only for fresh consumption, but also for winter harvesting.

Small fruits contain a large number of vitamins and nutrients necessary for the growth and development of the body. After laboratory research It has been proven that the vitamin content of small apples is greater than that of large ones.

Useful material:

• pectin;
• cellulose;
• antioxidants;
• vitamins and microelements (zinc, copper, iron, iodine, nickel);
• polyphenol.

Medicinal properties apples:

• cleansing the digestive system;
• removal of toxins;
• strengthening the vascular system;
• slowing down the aging of the body;
• prevention of the development of tumors and cancer;
• treatment of dysentery and colitis;
• saturating the body with vitamins and microelements;
• normalization of blood pressure and stabilization of the body’s water balance.

On the modern agricultural market you can see more than 200 varieties of this plant. All varieties differ from each other in the following parameters:

• crown shape and size;
• color scheme of leaves;
• size, shape and color of apples;
• flowering period and inflorescence color.

Plants of this type are universal pollinators that will have a beneficial effect on the amount of yield on neighboring trees.

The most popular and sought-after varieties of ornamental apple trees:

• "Nedzvetsky"
• "Helena";
• "Profusion";
• "Rudolf";
• "Robin";
• "Ola";
• "Royal Beauty".

"Nedzvetsky"

"Rudolf"

"Ola"

"Royal Beauty"

Advantages:

• resistance to negative impact low temperatures;
• undemanding to soil type and watering;
• high aesthetic indicators;
• minimal care;
• preservation decorative properties in unfavorable conditions of polluted cities.

"Nedzvetsky"

The Niedzwiecki apple tree was named after the Russian breeder who, in the 19th century, drew attention to this tree. The shape of the tree has rounded features, and the size ranges from 2.5 to 5 meters. Young shoots grow in different directions and independently give the apple tree the shape of a ball. The color of the branches is purple and the bark is red. The leaves are dark red in spring and purple in summer. Large crimson flowers grow on long stalks. Flowering occurs in mid-May, and harvesting begins in mid-August.

Stable harvests are produced by mature trees more than 10 years old. The color of the fruit ranges from purple to red. The flesh is pink and tasty. The harvested crop can be used in home cooking.

Advantages:

• resistance to low temperatures and drought;
• resistance to the most common types of diseases;
• unpretentiousness.

This variety was taken as the basis for the development of such hybrids as “Nikoline”, “Lemoine”, “Ellie”.

To implement design projects, you can trim the crown in any direction. After proper removal of young branches and shoots, you can give the plant even the most unusual shape and unique appearance.

"Helena"

The Helena variety apple tree is a low and compact fruit tree, the height of which does not exceed 3.5-4 meters. The size of burgundy leaves is up to 10 cm. The flowering period begins at the end of April. The flowers are large in size and purple in color. The fruits are very small, but tasty and aromatic, which are often used for food.

This variety can be found in regions with cold climates. Advantages:

• unpretentiousness;
• resistance to low temperatures and drought.

"Profusion"

The tree of the “Profusion” variety is a tall and powerful red-leaved plant, the height of which can reach 6 meters, and the crown diameter is more than 4.5 meters. Main feature of this species is a change in the color of the foliage throughout the year from red to brown. The color scheme of flowers will also surprise the owners of their plots. During the flowering period, pink, red and purple inflorescences with a rich and pleasant smell can be seen on the tree. Very small fruits with a diameter of no more than 15 mm can be seen on the tree even at the end of winter.

The plant is planted in well-lit places. This variety is universal for urban gardens and parks. For the growth and development of a tree, fertile and moist soil is necessary.

"Rudolf"

This variety grows and develops well in different climatic conditions, so it is widely used not only on private plots, but also for decorating city alleys and parks. The apple tree variety "Rudolph" has a rounded crown shape. Standard height tree is from 5 to 6 meters. The flowers are pink and the fruits are yellow. Ripe fruits are used to make jam and compote. Young plants must be planted in sunny areas with nutritious and fertile soil.

Advantages:

• unpretentiousness;
• resistance to negative environmental influences;
• undemanding to soil type;
• quick set of green mass.

To get a beautiful tree, you need to carry out sanitary and formative pruning of the crown every year after winter. If branches and young shoots are not removed, the plant takes on the appearance of a shrub that has several trunks. The location of the branches is vertical, with drooping tips. The decorative properties of the variety are maintained throughout the year.

"Robin"

The decorative variety "Malinovka" is a Baltic hybrid of two types of apple trees - "Siberian berry" and "Nedzvetsky". Apple trees of this variety belong to the autumn species of fruit trees. The plant was obtained through natural pollination. The tree reaches a height of more than 6 meters and has a ball-shaped crown. The name of the variety comes from the raspberry color of juicy and aromatic apples. The leaves are purple in spring and summer and green in autumn. The Malinovka variety is a high-yielding species with medium-sized fruits that taste like raspberries.

Apples have a universal purpose and are widely used for cooking. winter conservation. You can enjoy the fragrant fruits not only in autumn, but throughout the entire winter season.

A bountiful harvest can be obtained already in the fourth year of growing the plant in any climatic conditions.

"Ola"

The maximum height of the “Ola” apple tree is no more than 5 meters. Period abundant flowering comes in May. The diameter of ripe apples is no more than 30 mm. Ripe fruits are used not only for homemade preparations, but also for feeding wild animals and birds, since the berries hang on the tree until late winter.

For planting, you need to choose a partially shaded place with light and nutritious soil. In sunny areas, the apple tree must be additionally watered during the hot period. Timely pruning, proper care and treatment against diseases and pests will improve the quality and quantity of the harvest.

The main advantage of Ola apple trees is the preservation of decorative properties in the polluted atmosphere of large cities and near highways. Designers plant flowering trees in city parks, alleys and on roadsides. A tree planted in the center of a green composition looks most successful.

"Royal Beauty"

The variety "Royal Beauty" is a hybrid of fast-growing red-leaved apple trees. This variety is an analogue of Japanese sakura and is used to decorate green recreation areas in Japanese style. The tree is very compact and miniature, the height of which is up to 3 meters, and the diameter of the crown is no more than 2 meters and resembles the appearance of an open umbrella. The flowering period lasts no more than 14 days and begins in early May. At the end of April, red buds appear on the tree, from which crimson flowers bloom. Appearance The plant resembles a weeping willow, the branches of which droop. This feature makes the variety in demand and popular in the projects of landscape designers. Advantages:

• low price;
• umbrella shape;
• self-pollinating;
• change color range leaf cover throughout the year;
• resistance to frost and sudden temperature changes;
• The shape of the crown without regular pruning resembles a ball or oval.

The fruits of the ornamental plant are prohibited from being eaten. Apples have a bitter and unpleasant taste.

The “Royal Beauty” variety is based on the properties and characteristics of the “Nedzvetsky” apple tree. Later, breeders began to use this type of apple tree to develop new hybrids with improved properties and characteristics.

The unique properties of this species allow it to be planted in regions with unfavorable climates and low temperatures.

Despite the unpretentiousness of ornamental apple trees, owners of personal plots need to create the most comfortable conditions for plant growth and fruiting. If you choose a shaded place with marshy and infertile soil, the flowering period and the richness of the color palette will be significantly reduced.

Planting material must be purchased and planted in early spring or early autumn. Late planting will not allow the tree to take root and overwinter without damage.

You can grow a new plant from seeds, or propagation by cuttings is possible.

To plant seeds, it is necessary to prepare in advance a planting container with fertile and nutritious soil, in which at the beginning of winter it is necessary to place planting material. While creating favorable conditions after 30-40 days you can see the first shoots. After the weather becomes comfortable and favorable for plant growth, you can begin transplanting seedlings into open ground.

Young cuttings are rarely planted due to their poor survival rate. To get new and healthy plant must be applied special drugs and stimulants for the formation of immunity and the root system.

• The distance between apple trees should not be less than 5 meters.
• Young seedlings require additional watering and the application of mineral and organic fertilizers.
• The main condition for the growth and development of strong and healthy trees is the timely removal of weeds and fallen leaves.
• Only young plants require additional watering; mature trees need natural moisture.
• In order to remove dry, damaged and diseased branches, it is necessary to carry out preventive pruning of the crown. Formative pruning is carried out only if desired and necessary.
• Before harvesting, you must make sure that the fruits on the planted tree are edible and will not harm your health. Ripe apples are harvested in late autumn.

Ornamental varieties of apple trees are highly resistant to various types of diseases, but if the first signs of any infection appear, the damaged branches must be immediately removed, and the tree must also be treated with special chemicals.

In specialized stores you can see a large number medicinal compositions, and experienced consultants will help you do right choice and purchase the necessary drug.

Application in landscape design

Fruit trees on a personal plot always become a source of tasty and healthy fruits and a decoration for the entire garden, especially in the spring. Decorative apple trees with red leaves not only decorate the garden during the flowering period, but also become the highlight of the garden plot throughout the year. The bright colors of foliage and fragrant flowers will emphasize the individuality of the site and the aesthetic taste of the owners of the house.

During the period of abundant flowering, trees turn into multi-colored clouds, on which even the leaves become invisible, so designers advise planting them near evergreens. coniferous plants. In mid-summer, the flowering ball will change its color to red, purple or violet and will last until late winter. No less aesthetic pleasure awaits you in winter, when against the background of white snow you can see small apples of rich and bright colors. Tasty and aromatic fruits will become a favorite treat for birds and animals, and watching them will delight not only adults, but also children.

Among modern design projects you can find a large number of works made in the Japanese style. This direction is popular and in demand, but the climate of Japan has its own characteristics that favorably influence the growth and development of sakura. Sakura is a symbol of Japan, carrying the style and beauty of the country. The harsh climatic conditions of the country do not allow designers to use this plant. Unique analogue Japanese tree unpretentious decorative apple trees of such varieties as “Everest”, “Golden Hornet”, “Purple” have become available. Blooming apple trees have completely replaced sakura and saved owners from painstaking care for the capricious imported plant.

Professional gardeners advise plant red-leaved apple trees next to cherries, apricots and plums, then the garden will turn into a fragrant white sea of ​​aesthetic pleasure and beauty.

To give unusual shapes experienced gardeners It is recommended to use formative pruning. This variety of apple trees easily tolerates the removal of branches and shoots and holds its shape for a long time. It should be noted that the shape of the crown of ornamental apple trees initially has an unusual shape, so there is no need to resort to special adjustments.

The most successful placement of trees is on hills and near bodies of water. Recreation area near the river with blossoming apple trees will become a favorite place for all family members.

Shrubs, all types of flowers and a well-groomed lawn look advantageous against the backdrop of unique apple trees. Plants with different flowering periods will create the feeling of an ever-blooming composition.

Strawberries planted under a tree will not only decorate the space, but also provide an opportunity to harvest a delicious harvest in the shade of a colorful apple tree.

A hedge composition of ornamental apple trees, quinces, blackberries and grapes will not only decorate the area near the fence, but will also protect the area from dust and drafts.

To get a beautiful and healthy tree, it is necessary to provide the plant with decent care. Experienced consultants from specialized stores and nurseries will help you choose the right seedling, and professional landscape designers will tell you how to create a unique composition.

This type apple trees will also provide an opportunity for independent experiments in creating green recreation areas that will not take a lot of financial costs and physical effort.

For information on decorative apple trees, see the following video.

The decorative apple tree has become increasingly common in Russian gardens. It is not only decorative, but the fruits of many varieties are edible. You can make jam and compotes from them. The apple tree is good both in single planting and in group planting. Since it is quite winter-hardy, it is an excellent substitute for sakura.

Varieties and their characteristics

Breeders have developed many varieties and among them the following stand out:

Decorative red-leaved apple tree. A powerful tree, with red leaves, 4 m high. The crown reaches a diameter of about 3 m. Hybrid variety. Has red leaves. The color of the leaves lasts from bud break to leaf fall. Resistant to frost and disease. Decorative throughout the growing season. The leaves are a beautiful purple color, but during fruit formation they can change color to emerald. Grows well in middle lane Russia, as well as in Siberia and the Urals.

Apple tree Rudolph. Tree up to 5 m high. Powerful, spreading crown. Hybrid variety. The foliage has a classic shape and a rich green hue. The flowers are white. At good care

It blooms for up to 1 month, which makes the tree decorative. After flowering, fruits are formed. They are quite large. Small apples, a beautiful honey color, reach 3 cm in diameter. The fruits are edible. You can make jam or jam from them. Tree 4.5 m high. Round, openwork crown. The leaves are red when they bloom and later turn green. Beautiful flowers,. The tree is decorated with bright red fruits. They are quite large. Up to 3 cm in diameter. Hanging on branches until late autumn.

Looks great both as a single tree and in group plantings. Decorates arches and hedges.

Apple tree Helen.

A beautiful, decorative tree. They decorate arches in the garden, plant them in single plantings, decorate parks and alleys, and create beautiful compositions. A low plant 4 m high. Spreading crown. Three-lobed leaves of purple color add decorativeness. Small fruits, red in color. Flowering is long and abundant. The flowers are purple. It winters well and is resistant to diseases. The Helena apple tree is demanding of soil, preferring moist and fertile soil. Apple tree Weeping. Decorative tree 5 m high. It has an oval, conical crown shape. The plant is spreading. Leaves are red. IN summer time have a greenish tint and turn bright red again by autumn. Flowering is abundant. The flowers are large and crimson in color. A pleasant aroma that attracts bees to the garden. In dry times, as well as in hot regions, flowering is short, lasting 2 days. The fruits are small apples and dark red in color. They have an elongated shape. Needs fertilized wet soils

. They grow best in loose soil. Has high winter hardiness. The weeping apple tree is widespread throughout Russia. Formative pruning is required in spring. Apple tree Purple.

A highly decorative tree about 5 m high. The crown is sparse, with thin branches. Hybrid form. The leaves are colored red, but when fruits form, they can acquire a green tint. Blooms in early summer. The color and shape of the flowers depend on the type of tree. Color varies from pink to dark burgundy. They come in simple and terry shapes. The apples are small, carmine-colored, and edible. Suitable for recycling. The apple tree is winter-hardy, but not resistant to scab.

Growing and caring for ornamental apple trees In order to grow beautiful tree

, which will serve as a decoration for the garden, it is necessary to provide it with sufficient care. The great misconception of some gardeners is that ornamental apple trees do not require care. The fact is that they cannot stand shade; there is no decorative effect in the shade. Short flowering. Dim colors. Apple trees are demanding on soil. They grow best in loose, well-drained soils. They do not tolerate wetlands. The soil should be fertile and moderately moist. Plant needed in the same way as ordinary ones. Seedlings are planted in the ground in the spring, before the buds open. If the seedlings are purchased in the fall, then it is possible autumn planting. For single plantings, you should dig a hole. Its depth is 1 m and diameter is 0.80 m.

If plantings are carried out in combination with other trees, then the distance between them should be left at least 5-6 m. This distance is necessary so that in the future the trees do not crowd or shade each other. Ornamental apple trees require a lot of light and space to develop and be decorative. Planting holes for decorative varieties are prepared in the fall if the seedlings are planted in the spring.

It is better to replace the excavated soil with fertile one, but if this is not possible, the fertility of the existing one should be improved.

To do this, add 5-6 buckets of humus or peat, also add wood ash and nitrogen and superphosphate fertilizers. The proportions can be viewed on the packaging of purchased fertilizers. To stir thoroughly. Place drainage at the bottom of the hole. Pebbles or coarse sand are suitable for drainage. Pour the soil onto this layer in a mound and place an apple tree seedling on it. Gently spread the roots around the mound. Stick a linden or hazel stake into the center and cover everything with fertile, prepared soil.

Do not forget that the root collar should be 8-10 cm higher. Press down the soil around the plant. If the seedling is tall, then it should be tied to a peg. After planting is completed, water thoroughly. You need to water in several stages. First, pour out one bucket of water. After the water is absorbed, pour another one and so on until the soil in the moon is completely saturated with moisture. Apply a 5-6 cm layer of mulch on top. The layer will protect the plantings from weeds and drying out of the soil.

Further care of apple trees consists of watering, weeding, loosening and shaping pruning. Caring for ornamental apple trees is much simpler than for cultivated ones, but it is also necessary so that the trees maintain their decorative appearance throughout their entire life.

Decorative plants, unlike crops, do not require the formation of skeletal pruning, but are responsive to pruning. After a haircut they recover quickly. The crown can be given any shape. Circle, oval or any other shape. Regular watering, spring fertilization, weeding, and treatment with fungicides against insects and diseases are required.

Thanks to decorative varieties beautiful and not demanding to care for, they began to occupy a worthy place in the garden. Look great in single and group plantings. Plantings of ornamental apple trees decorate parks and alleys and create arches. Magnificent, fragrant aroma in spring and beautiful and sometimes edible fruits in autumn.

The decorative tree does not lose its beauty throughout the entire growing season.

Answers Andrey Lysikov, Candidate of Biological Sciences:

Our answer to Sakura

The harmonious shape of the crown, elegant foliage and a huge number of bright flowers collected in umbrella inflorescences make decorative apple trees desirable in any garden. The color of the leaves of these trees can be very diverse: from light green to emerald and from pinkish to dark purple. As for flowers, their palette is different types and varieties cover a wide spectrum from boiling white to scarlet, raspberry or beetroot. The fruits also vary in size, shape and color, although all of them, as a rule, are significantly smaller than those of the domestic apple tree, the ancestor of many fruit varieties.

In recent years, decorative apple trees can be increasingly seen on summer cottages. In the garden they can play a variety of roles: serve as spectacular soloists, perform in groups or as part of tree and shrub compositions. One of the main advantages of these trees, perhaps, is that they can be considered as a replacement for cherry trees, which have little winter hardiness in temperate climates. The fruits also deserve special mention. In many varieties they are edible and are used for making preserves, jellies and compote, and in addition, they remain decorative for a long time and attract numerous birds to the garden in winter.

Attention

"Makamik." Photo: Andrey Lysikov

What to choose?

The decorative group includes a whole range species apple trees, predominantly of Far Eastern origin, as well as many hybrid varieties. Most of them are great for summer cottages: they, as a rule, do not exceed 6-8 m in height, and the crowns, even of the most spreading specimens, do not take up very much space. In addition, they are quite durable and unpretentious in relation to soils.

Prominent representatives of decorative species are the Niedzwiecki apple tree, up to 8 m high, with a lush tent-shaped crown, purple flowers and fruits, i. Siebold with an umbrella crown, pink buds and whitening flowers and me. profusely blooming with a wide spreading crown, pink inflorescences and orangish apples.

Widely used in design hybrid apple trees. Among the most popular is me. plumifolium, often called "Chinese", and also me. purple, a miniature copy of my ancestor me. Nedzvetsky.

"Royalty". Photo: Andrey Lysikov

IN Lately the dream of many gardeners has become ‘Brandy Magic’ - a spectacular varietal apple tree with a spreading crown, large double flowers and yellow round apples with a diameter of 4-5 cm. The ‘Makovetskiana’ variety is also remarkable, distinguished by large dark pink flowers and small elongated burgundy fruits.

However, the most widespread and recognized among gardeners are decorative hybrids, characterized by their compact size and the special attractiveness of their flowers and fruits.

Blooming columns

Particularly attractive are the columnar apple trees, reaching a height of 2 m. During flowering, the best of them are strewn from top to bottom with large flowers of different colors, then turning into small apples weighing 30-40 g. Among the most decorative and stable varieties of domestic selection can be called 'Pomegranate Bracelet' with light purple flowers, 'Pink Tale', 'Carmelita' with pink-violet and 'Crimson Necklace' with reddish-purple.

‘Chil’s Viping’ is a variety with a weeping crown, on the hanging shoots of which numerous fragrant deep pink flowers open in spring. Photo: Andrey Lysikov

Varieties of ornamental apple trees*

with white flowers:

‘Long’, ‘Everest’, ‘John ​​Downey’, ‘Adirondack’, ‘Tina’, ‘Street Parade’

with pink flowers:

‘Hopa’ ‘Lizet’, ‘Mokum’, ‘Ola’, ‘Red Obelisk’

with red, burgundy or purple:

‘Royalty’, ‘Rudolph’, ‘Eley’, ‘Makamik’, ‘Nikoline’.

*The most winter-hardy in central Russia

Ornamental fruit trees are becoming increasingly widespread in Russia. Beautiful flowering plants decorate summer cottages and garden plots and add originality to front gardens and house facades.

Decorative apple trees occupy a special place in the design of parks, alleys, gardens, and administrative territories. Unpretentiousness in care, luxury of flowering, picturesque appearance of fruits and delicate fragrance explain the growing popularity of these trees in landscape design.

Description of the red-leaved apple tree

Apple tree - popular garden tree, which is grown not only for its healthy and tasty fruits. As a result of breeding work, decorative species have been bred that perfectly decorate gardens and personal plots. The varieties of red-leafed ornamental apple trees are especially chic, bringing life to the landscape of parks and gardens.

An apple tree with red leaves will look spectacular on a bright green lawn or against a wall. It will also fit harmoniously into the composition with other ornamental plants in the garden, both trees and shrubs.

The fruits of the decorative apple tree are suitable for creating bouquets, floral and plant arrangements. The nutritional quality of the fruit is low, so in cooking decorative apples have not found widespread use. Although they can be used to decorate dishes and prepare confitures, jams, and compotes.

Use in landscape design

Using red-leaved apple trees in garden design, it is easy to create a corner or an entire garden in the Japanese style. The lush, delicate pink blossoms of red-leaved apple trees in the spring are not inferior in grace to the blossoms of the famous sakura. Japanese azaleas, rhododendrons, and decorative types of bamboo will complement the composition.

A combination of red-leaved apple and beech trees, planting lilies, geraniums, ground cover roses will complete the composition.

Special sophistication The landscape will be enhanced by tulips planted between herbaceous perennials and blooming at the same time as the apple tree.

Ornamental apple trees not only decorate the landscape, but are also effective pollinators. If fruit apple trees grow next to ornamental ones, then the yield fruit trees will be high as a result of good pollination.

Red-leaved varieties are mainly hybrids bred from the Niedzwiecki apple tree.

Niedzvetsky apple tree

Niedzvetsky apple tree- decorative apple tree with red leaves. In the wild, the original species is endangered and is found in Central Asia. Description of the variety:

• The height of the tree is 2−6 meters.
• Distinctive feature is the presence of red pigment (anthocyanin) in all plant cells: seeds, foliage, flowers, pulp and skin of fruits, bark and even wood, which also has a reddish tint.
• The trunks of young trees and the branches of mature plants are dark purple in color.
• The leaves are oval, 8 cm long and 4 cm wide. Young foliage has pubescence, which also covers the petioles. Subsequently, the edge is retained only on the petioles. The color of the leaves is dense green with a red tint, sometimes dark purple with a purple tint. The leaf petioles are crimson.
• The crown is spherical.
• Large flowers have a diameter of up to 5 cm and grow on white stalks. Dark purple buds open to form flowers with bright pink, raspberry and purple petals.
• Flowering period - 2 weeks in the second half of May. Trees begin to bloom in the 5th year of life.
• The fruits are apples of paradise, they can be small or large, weighing up to 200 grams, the shape is spherical and slightly narrows towards the top. The skin of the apple is dark purple-red and covered with a waxy coating. The flesh of the fruit is sweet, pink with a purple tint, and very dense.

Tree undemanding to soil, but growth on soil saturated nutrients, will be more successful. Groundwater located close to the surface shortens the life of the plant. The method of reproduction is grafting. They are transplanted into the nursery in the third year after grafting. Grows well in the south and southwest of Russia.

In central Russia it is cold for the Nedzvetsky variety. But on its basis, hybrids have been bred that perfectly tolerate moderate frosts. climate zone and retained the decorative advantages of the original plant.

• Royalty.
• Royal Bewley.
• Rudolf.
• Makovetsky.

Variety "Royalty". The decorative apple tree “Royalty”, even among red-leaved varieties, stands out for its original foliage. The leaf blades of the tree are shiny and of such a rich dark red color that they seem almost purple. Flowering is lush and abundant, begins in May and covers the first week of June. The flowers have pink-red petals that densely cover the crown.

"Royalty" reaches a height of 4-5 meters, has a short trunk with a crown with a diameter of about 4 meters. The tree will have the leaf color characteristic of the variety only if it grows in a sunny area with some shade. The soil should be fertile and moderately moist, although the plant can easily tolerate prolonged drought. Pruning is recommended to maintain the shape of the crown. The tree grows slowly, bears fruit with small red apples, and is frost-resistant.

The “weak points” of the variety include susceptibility to infection by diseases and pests: scab, powdery mildew and late blight.

The plant withstands industrial air pollution, so it is often used for landscaping city squares, parks, squares, and courtyards. The tree looks great alone or in a group with other ornamental plants.

Variety "Ola". Large flowers up to 4 cm in diameter have pink or pink-red petals. Lush flowering occurs in May. The height of the tree reaches 4-5 meters, the crown is round. Spring leaves have a light red color; in the summer season the foliage acquires a slight shine and green color. In winter and autumn, the decorative appearance of the plant is maintained thanks to the many red fruits that remain on the branches of the tree.

Ornamental apple trees of the “Ola” variety grow well on medium-fertile soils, which is explained by their undemanding nature in terms of soil composition. The tree calmly tolerates the gas pollution of the urban atmosphere and is little susceptible to scab infection, which is why the variety is readily grown in the parks of megacities. Composing landscape composition, the red-leaved apple tree “Ola” is usually placed by designers in the center of the plant ensemble.

Variety "Royal Beauty". A tree 3-4 meters high has high decorative qualities:

Red-leaved apple tree "Royal Beauty" - low weeping apple tree, therefore suitable for small cozy gardens. The variety has an advantage over other weeping trees due to its frost resistance.

It is recommended to choose a planting site in a sunny area with sandy soil, saturated minerals. During the flowering period, the apple tree does not tolerate a lack of moisture; during the rest of the growing season, the tree is not sensitive to the degree of soil moisture.

Exceptional decorative qualities And small sizes allow you to plant a tree separately from other plants in the garden. The apple tree itself is beautiful even outside of compositions. However, the plant ensemble of the apple tree with others dwarf trees and shrubs will be no less effective.

Variety "Rudolph". Bred by Canadian breeders. Young plants have a pyramid-shaped crown; with age, the tree crown becomes spreading. The height of the apple tree is about 6 meters. The leaves are brown with a red tint in spring, then turn brown-green. The buds are red, the blooming flowers have pink-red petals.

Fruiting is abundant, decorative apples ripen red-orange. The tree loves sunny places, fertile and well-drained soil. The "Rudolph" variety enriches the landscape design of parks, gardens, and personal plots.

Variety "Makovetsky". The height of the tree is about 5 meters. Semicircular, dense crown of almost spherical shape. Red leaves, pink lush flowers up to 5 cm in diameter. The tree has high frost resistance.

Red-leaved ornamental apple trees in landscape design are a great opportunity to enrich the palette of gardens and parks. Rich flowering, frost resistance, bright color foliage explains the trees' continued popularity among gardeners.