Edna Walling Crabapple ~ Malus sonningensis.

Re-introduced to horticulture by Austraflora Pty Ltd, marketed through
Yarra View Nursery, Mt Evelyn, Victoria ~ Released August 2006

Selected by Edna Walling in the mid - 1930s, this is a chance seedling which appeared in the gardens of her home, Sonning, at Bickleigh Vale, Mooroolbark, Victoria. Almost lost to horticulture, despite being widely planted in many of her gardens, it was retrieved from the brink by Austraflora Pty Ltd in 1990, when some material was obtained from a specimen in the grounds of Methodist Ladies’ College, Melbourne.

Yarra View Nursery, on behalf of the Edna Walling Estate and Austraflora Pty Ltd, are re-introducing this rare and desirable crabapple to its rightful place in horticulture, and to honour Australia’s foremost garden designer, Edna Walling.

Description:
Best described as similar to Malus x purpurea, this selection is noted for its even darker purple foliage and intensity of deep plum-pink flower colour.

A height of around 3-4.5 metres and a width of 3-4 metres would be expected in most garden conditions. Full sun or dappled light and well drained to lightly moist soils are preferable, and cool to mild climatic conditions are suitable. High humidity and exposed coastal conditions are not recommended. It is tolerant of heavy frost, however, but should be protected from severe winds.

Use in the landscape: A perfect choice for single specimen planting, or it may be grouped in a woodland setting for maximum impact when flowering, and for its autumn foliage display. Spectacular as a copse in open landscapes; as a focus at the end of a gravelled walk; beside pathways or paving; may be underplanted with Scilla (Bluebells) and other spring bulbs.

Maintenance: Prune for a balanced shape after flowering, and older plants may require occasional removal of dead wood in winter. Feed with complete fertilizer in late winter or early spring.

Edna Walling Crabapple makes a particularly lovely and appealing picture when planted with another of Edna’s favourites, Amelanchier canadensis or Shad Bush, in a setting of well-placed rocks or mossy boulders. To complete the picture, a drift of crocus could be planted to coincide their flowering with the spring blossom of Malus and Amelanchier.

Available from:
Yarra View Nursery
136 York Road, Mt Evelyn Victoria 3796
Tel: 03 9737 0400
Fax: 03 9737 0500
Enquiries: Peter Berthelsen or Glen Chadband.

   
Selected by Edna Walling from the gardens of Sonning, Bickleigh Vale, Mooroolbark, Victoria. Re-introduced to horticulture by Austraflora Pty Ltd © for The Edna Walling® Plant Collection. Registered Owner of Edna Walling®: B G Barnes.
Edna Walling Image: permission granted Trisha Dixon 2006.
The name Austraflora and its symbol are protected by ®.

Back Up Next

Copyright ©2001 - 2007 Austraflora. All Rights Reserved