Malus ‘Adirondack’

Cultivated at the US National Arboretum, the ‘Adirondack’ emerged from a rigorous screening process. Initially, 500 Malus seedlings were deliberately infected with Fire Blight, with only 60 surviving this challenge. Over an 11 year span, these survivors faced additional diseases like scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust. Among them, a select few displayed unparalleled resilience, leading to the selection of Adirondack by Donal R. Egolf in 1974.

By 1987, this variety was available commercially. It boasts an elegant vase shaped crown with upright, ascending branches. It maintains its compact stature, even as it matures, often requiring minimal pruning.

Its buds unfurl in deep crimson, and eventually transition to softer shades of purple-pink. By end of spring, a spectacle of brilliant white flowers with hints of pale pink graces the tree. These blossoms emit a gentle, sweet fragrance, during numerous bees for pollination. Concurrently, the trees robust, dark green leaves maintain a vibrant emerald hue, showing remarkable resistance to powdery mildew and rust.

As summer wanes, a bounty of small, fiery orange fruits emerge, persisting well into early winter. These fruits serve as a food source for birds, ensuring the ‘Adirondack’ remains a focal point of wildlife activity. Given its compact form, seasonal interest and robust characteristics, the resilient tree proves invaluable for various landscape settings, be it courtyards, bustling squares or classic garden layouts.