Apple tree Rudolph: description and characteristics of the variety, pros and cons, cultivation

The Rudolf apple tree is great for landscape decoration in the city or countryside. The very first flowering of this tree becomes a colorful spot, and the fruits complement the composition with yellow inserts.

History of selection

Rudolph's apple tree is an ornamental tree imported from Canada. Poland was considered the original homeland. The apple tree has bright red flowers, in some cases leaves of a similar color. The fruits are small, sometimes edible.

Apple Rudolph: pros and cons

Wood has its benefits:

Keep an attractive blooming appearance for a long time.
Easy to care for.
Sufficiently weather resistant.

And disadvantages:

The quality of the fruit leaves much to be desired.
In the shade, the decorative beauty of the seedling disappears.

Varieties

This tree does not have many varieties. In total, there are two varieties of apple trees.

Decorative

This variety has a dense crown. Bright leaves and flowers. Fruits of bright honey color. It blooms for a very long time, maintaining a decorative look for a long period of time.

Stamp

This variety is bred on the basis of ornamental. Decorative apple tree Rudolph is grafted onto smooth, straight trunks. The result is a tall bare leg with a thick beautiful crown.

Key Features

The main characteristics fully reflect the necessary conditions for keeping this apple variety.

External data

The external data of each tree is strictly qualified by size, growth and branching of the roots.

Tree dimensions

Apple tree grows up to 6 meters high. The crown is dense, in girth no more than 4 meters.

Annual growth

This variety grows fast. At the 6th year of life, the tree reaches its maximum height. Lateral branches slow down in the 7th year.

Development of the root system

The stem of the root, like most fruit trees, is quite developed. The root system goes deep and branches on the sides of the trunk by 1-2 meters.

Technical description

Rudolf variety apple tree reaches a height of 6 meters. In some cases, it is formed in outline as a multi-stemmed shrub. The branches rush upward, have some deviation from the trunk. A mature tree has a downward deflection of the ends of the branches.

For more than half of the year, the plant has a decorative appearance. The leaves are dark green. The tree blooms profusely, the fruits are bright yellow. The flowers are pink, with a small diameter of 3-4 cm. The apple tree is unpretentious in care. It can grow in any climate zone. Any soil is suitable, except marshy.

Disease resistance

High resistance to powdery mildew and scab. But in the damp cold season, it is necessary to spray for prevention.

Winter hardiness

The apple tree has a 3rd cold hardiness zone. Which means it's easy to grow in harsh winter conditions. Young shoots freeze through, after which they must be cut. Fruits fall at temperatures below -2 C.

Pollination

Self-pollinated variety. But to improve the yield, it is recommended to plant close to pollinating trees.

Yield and palatability of fruits

During the season, about 5 kg of fruits are harvested from one tree. Apples are small and not juicy. Tastes tart, astringent.

Growing advice

For a tree to grow he althy and beautiful, you need to follow the recommendations for growing.

How to choose seedlings when buying

Seedlings should be strong and fresh. In order for the tree to take root better, it is necessary to take a 2-year-old plant.

Date of planting

This type of tree is traditionally planted in spring (March-April) or autumn (September-October).

Choosing a suitable location and soil composition

The apple tree must be planted in a sunny place. It is important that there are no other trees or buildings at a distance of 4 meters from the apple tree that will prevent the crown from opening.

The soil must be fertile and well-drained.

Scheme and technology of disembarkation

In order for the seedling to take root well, it is recommended to prepare a hole for planting in advance:

3-4 days before planting a seedling, dig a hole and fill it with a mixture of black soil, humus, manure and peat. You should also add fertilizer in the form of phosphorus and potassium in the amount of 3 tablespoons, 100-150 grams of ash or dolomite flour.
It is important to compact the mixture so that it takes up only 2/3 of the total volume.
After that, the roots of the seedling are carefully placed in the hole. They should be branched freely, not resting against the walls of the pit. The neck of the root should be on the surface after falling asleep with earth.
After planting, the tree is tied to a support until it gets stronger.

Rules for caring for an apple tree

An apple tree, like any other plant, needs proper care for good growth.

Irrigation

For normal growth, this variety of ornamental apple trees needs frequent and abundant watering. In the first year, water as often as possible. At least 2 times a week.

Soil care

The soil needs to be loosened about 1 time per month. After watering, apply hay, peat, grass and sawdust. This will attract earthworms and the soil will always be loose.

Feeding

In the first year after planting, the seedling is not fed. During this period, it is only recommended to observe the mode of introducing moisture and loosening the soil.

It is recommended to feed the plant in spring. At this time of the year, manure, compost, and urea are introduced. In summer, the seedling needs fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus. In autumn, it is undesirable to make any top dressing. At this time of the year, the tree is actively preparing for wintering. Feeding is applied only after thorough loosening of the soil, watering, and removal of weed crops.

Pruning and crown shaping

The tree needs to be pruned periodically to improve its growth. In the first year, pruning only focuses on creating a beautiful crown shape. When the fruiting period begins, it will be possible to remove a lot more extra branches. The plant will not suffer from this, and the fruits will become slightly larger. Pruning should begin in spring, before foliage appears.

Preparing for winter

A young tree that has not yet reached 5 years is rubbed with chalk before winter. An older plant is rubbed with lime. The earth is loosened and covered with manure. To protect against rodents, the seedling can be tied with branches of spruce trees.