Malus domestica Red Dwarf

The 'Red Dwarf' Dwarf Apple Tree immediately announces its color. It is a dwarf variety that generally does not exceed 1.50m (5ft) in height and produces bright red fruits. Its compact and spreading habit gives it a balanced silhouette and allows it to be planted in any garden, no matter how small, and even on a terrace. Self-fertile, its decorative spring flowering turns into fruits ready to be harvested from September. They can be consumed fresh, cooked or as juice. A hardy variety, to be planted in sunny exposure, or possibly in partial shade in hot climates, and to be watered regularly during the summer.

The Domestic Apple Tree (Malus domestica) belongs to the very important Rosaceae family, which hosts many of our temperate climate fruit trees (Pear, Peach, Plum, Strawberry...), many ornamental species (Rose of course, but also Amelanchier or Pyracantha) and wild plants from our countryside. The Apple Tree itself is a plant of high economic importance, with nearly 20,000 varieties cultivated in many countries in both hemispheres of our planet.
'Red Dwarf' belongs to the small group of dwarf varieties, which can be grown both in the ground and in a pot or container on a terrace or balcony. With a relatively slow growth, this spreading dwarf apple tree reaches a maximum height of 1.50m (5ft) and sometimes even less, limiting itself to around 1m (3ft)! Its homogeneous and dense vegetation is composed of medium green leaves, ovate to ovoid in shape, with finely toothed leaf margins. Their slightly shiny surface gives them a certain aesthetic, especially in the rain. In spring, it produces pretty single flowers, light pink in colour, which give it a certain romantic charm. Melliferous, they provide bees with nectar. As a self-fertile variety, the flowers are pollinated with each other without needing another apple tree nearby. However, cross-pollination is often beneficial, ensuring a very good fruit set... The fertilized flowers develop into beautiful red fruits, which ripen from September and can be harvested until October depending on the climatic zones. Visually attractive with their uniform red skin, the apples are sweet and slightly acidic, aromatic and crunchy. Delicious eaten raw, they can also be used in cooking to make pies or other desserts, or even fruit juice.
While its size is limited, the hardiness of this Apple Tree is much less so, as it is capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -23°C (-9.4°F). However, it should be kept in mind that a potted plant is more exposed than one in the ground, as the roots do not benefit from the thermal inertia of the surrounding soil. In a pot, the cold attacks from all sides and therefore becomes more dangerous. In regions with harsh winters, it is therefore preferable to move the pot to a sheltered corner, for example. Sunny exposure suits it perfectly, possibly partially shaded in hot summers.

The 'Red Dwarf' Apple Tree is interesting for small gardens, but especially for living spaces such as balconies, terraces and patios. With this type of dwarf fruit trees, there is no need to have a large plot of land to enjoy delicious fruits. It is possible to create a mini orchard to enjoy your own pears, peaches or cherries. Thus, the Dwarf Peach Tree Fruit Me Peach Me Red, which is also self-fertile and quick to bear fruit, will give you delicious yellow-fleshed peaches in summer, and will also reward you with a beautiful pink flowering in spring. The Dwarf Cherry Tree 'Cherry Baby' produces white flowers in March-April, which then develop into beautiful, sweet and tangy bright red cherries. In addition to these fruit trees, also consider adopting some aromatic plants that will accompany your dishes in the kitchen...