Arboretum & Botanical Garden Bulletin Board
Royal Gem™ Crabapple
Malus ‘Fridlund’
Location: Grid U2 a little downhill from the top gate at the edge of the open, grassy area
Royal Gem Crabapple is one of a group of Crabapples known as ‘genetic dwarfs. They typically grow in dense, rounded globes that look like solid balls of flowers when they bloom.
Royal Gem seems to be one of the densest of the genetic dwarfs that we have in the collection. Most sources seem to describe it as growing from 5-8’ tall and wide. That number seems a little conservative to me. The tree in the Arboretum was planted in 2013 and it is probably close to the 8’ tall and wide size now.
The genetic dwarf Crabapples are typically grown as grafts on a short trunk to form a ‘lollipop’ shaped tree. Any branches or suckers that sprout below the graft need to be removed or they will take over and dominate the dwarf graft. Their small size makes them a good choice for smaller spaces or containers.
Like other apples, they flower in mid-spring at the same time the leaves are emerging. If you look closely the flowers on Royal Gem™ have a white ‘eye’ in the middle of the flower.
Monthly Projects
April has been an almost ideal month for the early spring flowers. It has been cool without any dramatic storms so flowers have lasted a long time and have not been damaged by frosts.
Everything always happens at once in April. The grass grows too fast, the weeds jump out of the ground, dead branches show up, and planting projects all need to be done.
Upcoming Events
Plant Sale
10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 17
U of I Facilities Greenhouse
875 Perimeter Drive
Join us for traditional favorites and new things to try, including annuals, perennials, natives and xeriscape.
Arboretum Concert
6 p.m. Monday, July 14
Bukvich Arboretum Concert Site
North end of the upper pond
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy an acoustic concert performed by the Lionel Hampton School of Music and local musicians.
When visiting the Arboretum, please remember that for your safety, the safety of others and for the protection of wildlife and plant collections, no pets are allowed. Ice on ponds is very unstable — stay off any ice.
