About
Malus domestica 'Sussex Mother' is an apple cultivar in the genus Malus, family Rosaceae. It produces spring blossom, with a flowering period in April to May. As with other Malus, flowers are borne in clusters (corymbs) with five petals and attract pollen-collecting insects. Mature Malus trees typically develop a dense, twiggy crown and reach several metres in height.
About the genus
Malus is a genus of about 32–57 species of small deciduous trees or shrubs in the family Rosaceae, including the domesticated orchard apple, crab apples, and wild apples.
Wikipedia contributors, "Malus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Malus
In the garden
Malus domestica 'Sussex Mother' sits within Malus, a group of small deciduous trees and shrubs native to the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. Members of the genus commonly form a dense, twiggy crown and, at maturity, many cultivars reach multiple metres in height. The flowers appear in spring and are produced in corymbs of five-petalled blooms, which in Malus often range from white through pink to red. Position the tree where pollinating insects can access the flowers, since many apple cultivars rely on cross-pollination by bees and other insects; planting alongside other apple varieties will improve fruit set for cultivars that are cross-pollinating. The blossoms are notable for copious pollen produced on the stamens, which makes them attractive to early-season pollinators during April to May. Give the tree enough space for a multi-stemmed or single-trunk habit to develop without crowding neighbouring plants; its typical mature proportions suit larger gardens, traditional orchards or allotment plots where a small to medium orchard tree is wanted. Expect the April–May blossom to be the season when the tree makes its most visible contribution to wildlife and the garden’s spring structure.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Malus genus
- Malus domestica 'Dog's Snout' (C/D)
- Malus domestica 'Fair Maid of Devon' (Cider)
- Malus domestica 'Lady Hollendale' (D)
- Malus domestica 'Llwyd Hanner Goch' (D)
- Malus domestica 'Veitch's Perfection' (C/D)
- Malus domestica Redlove Circe ('Lureprec'PBR) (Redlove Series) (C/D)