Hardy fruit tree that can be grown as an ornamental Description: Small rounded fruits of a dull red, streaked with green; ripens in September in Central Virginia Habit: Grafted on semi-dwarfing rootstock; grows to 14-16' highCulture: Prefers sunny location; well composted soil; mulch to conserve moisture Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 4 Attributes: Edible fruits, attracts bees Jefferson-documentedThis cider apple, also known as Hughes' Crab and Virginia Crab, was the most common fruit variety grown in eighteenth-century Virginia. It is thought to be a cross between the North American crabapple, Malus angustifolia, and the domesticated European apple of horticulture. It produces a delicious cinnamon-flavored cider that is both sugary and pungent. Thomas Jefferson planted his entire north orchard exclusively with this variety. Jefferson's friend John Hartwell Cocke of Bremo Plantation proclaimed that the Hewes produced "the best cider I have ever seen". This tree will ship bare root. One year grafted M111 is approximately 4-5' tall. Bare root planting tips: If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center. Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery. Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.
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