The wild apple is becoming increasingly rare, but many nature lovers are discovering the advantages of this species and planting them in the garden for a natural character. Anyone who takes the sensitive requirements of the location into account will benefit from the ecological and aesthetic benefits.
Why is the wild apple a good hedge plant?
The wild apple is ideal as a hedge plant in natural gardens, especially in loose windbreak hedges together with hawthorn, dog rose, copper rock pear, blackthorn, mulberry and Cornelian cherry. Its ecological and aesthetic value further increases the attractiveness of the hedge.
Location
The Latin name Malus sylvestris, which means forest apple tree, gives an indication of the natural habitat. The wild apple inhabits the edges of marsh and riparian forests as well as stony mountain slopes. The crab apple has now become rare in nature because the growing conditions for it have become increasingly unfavorable since the 1960s. The seeds need warm soil and a low-competition environment to germinate. They are quickly displaced by the rapidly growing vegetation.
The ideal location in the garden:
- sunny locations
- airy location
- light-flooded area
Hedge design
Due to its weak competitive nature, the wild apple is suitable as a solitary tree. Its low height and sprawling crown make the crabapple the ideal hedge plant. It tolerates pruning well, but is not recommended for dense privacy hedges due to its low growth. Malus sylvestris is ideal as a loose windbreak hedge.
The shrub feels particularly comfortable when it can spread undisturbed. Therefore, it should not be missing in the natural garden. You should leave the crab apple to its own devices so that it develops beautifully. The wood harmonizes with hawthorn and dog rose in a flower-rich bird protection hedge. Next to copper rock pear, blackthorn, mulberry and Cornelian cherry it comes into its own perfectly.
Ecological and aesthetic value
The wild apple develops countless flowers in spring, the petals of which are colored pink to white. They attract numerous wild bees and bumblebees. The wild apple is considered a pollinator tree for the cultivated apple.
The fruits ripen in autumn and transform the tree into an attractive shrub with green to yellow and sometimes red apples. They reach a diameter of 3.5 centimeters and can be harvested and processed. If you leave the fruit hanging, you offer birds a richly laid table. These specialize in fruits and seeds mainly during the winter months as there are no insects flying at this time.
How to use fruits:
- for juicing
- for the production of jellies and jams
- to dry
