I've recently become interested in adding some ornamental trees to my garden, and I came across the Malus floribunda, or Japanese flowering crabapple. I love the look of its blooms and small size, which seems perfect for my not-so-large garden space. However, I have a few questions before I decide to plant one:
- How resistant is Malus floribunda to common diseases like apple scab or fire blight? I've noticed some crabapple varieties can be quite susceptible.
- Does it require any specific soil conditions or pH levels to thrive? My garden's soil is somewhat clay-heavy.
- How tolerant is this tree to colder climates? I live in an area with pretty harsh winters, and I'm wondering if this would affect its growth or blooming.
- Lastly, how long can I expect it to take from planting to start seeing blooms? I'm curious about how long I might need to wait to experience its beautiful flowers.
I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience with growing Malus floribunda or similar ornamental trees. Any tips or insight would be greatly appreciated!