Plant ornamental apples: Tart fruits attract the birds

Created: 09/29/2022, 08:00

By: Anna Katharina Kusters

Gardeners who still have some space left should plant a crabapple tree in the fall.

The apples are edible for both animals and humans.

The name crab apple is slightly misleading, because the crab apple is by no means a plant that is only something for the eye.

The tree has a lot of advantages for both the animals in the garden and the gardeners themselves.

So if you still have some space left, you should consider adding an ornamental apple tree to your garden in the fall.

Plant ornamental apples: Tart fruits attract birds

The crabapple variety Red Obelisk is very popular.

(Iconic image) © agefotostock/Imago

If a decorative apple grows in the garden, it decorates the green oasis with a new surprise at any time of the year.

In the spring, beautiful, white flowers bloom on its branches, on which many insects cavort.

In summer the tree then provides shade with its green leaves and in autumn and long into winter small red apples hang on its branches.

They are edible for both animals and humans.

Since the small apples usually taste quite tart, it is worth processing them into compote or jelly.

Plant ornamental apples: How to grow them

Autumn is perfect for giving a crabapple a place in the garden.

The young trees have already lost almost all their leaves and are ready to channel their strength into their roots in winter.

You have to consider this when planting:

• Soil: The soil should be loamy and rich in humus and if possible not too dry.

• Location: The tree grows best in a sunny spot in the garden.

• Watering: The plant does not tolerate waterlogging.

  After planting, the tree must be watered, otherwise it only needs a little water on very hot days in the first year.

The nice thing about ornamental apples is that they're not particularly prone to disease.

This means that gardeners do not have to worry about fungal infestation on the tree if the planting distance to other plants is correct.

If you discover many aphids on the apple tree in spring, give the whole thing some time.

In a garden that is close to nature, this usually takes care of itself, because the aphids attract ladybirds, which happily eat the pests.

Plant ornamental apples: You can also find a place on the balcony

Not everyone has a large garden at their disposal, but that is not a problem for ornamental apples.

In the meantime, there are also small-growing varieties that can be planted wonderfully in pots.

These specimens do not grow particularly tall and can be kept well in limited space with the right pruning.