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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.
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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 ®. |
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