Culture
Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained, acidic loams in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Established trees have some drought tolerance. Although some flowers may be lost, it is best to prune this tree as needed in late winter. Spring pruning should be avoided as it produces fresh, open cuts where fireblight bacterium can enter.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Malus is a genus of about 35 species of deciduous trees and shrubs from Europe, Asia and North America.
Genus name from Latin is an ancient name for apple.
‘Adams’ is a broad-rounded crabapple that matures to 15-20’ tall and as wide. Pink flowers (1 1/2” wide) bloom in abundance in spring (April). Flowers are followed by small, glossy, red crabapples (1/2”- 3/ 4” diameter) that mature in fall and persist into winter. Crabapples have blood red pulp. Birds are attracted to the fruit. Leaves emerge with reddish tints in spring, mature to green in summer and turn orange-red in fall.
Problems
The main diseases of crabapple are scab, fire blight, rusts, leaf spot and powdery mildew. Potential insect pests are of lesser concern and include tent caterpillars, aphids, Japanese beetles, borers and scale. Spider mites may occur.
‘Adams’ shows good disease resistance.
Uses
Plant as a specimen/accent or in small groups. General landscape use.