Malus ‘Trilobata’, Lebanese wild apple, Height 80 cm, 5-litre pot

Malus trilobata, also known as the Lebanese wild apple or Turkish ornamental apple, is a unique ornamental apple tree that bears little resemblance to a traditional apple tree. Its striking three-lobed leaves are particularly eye-catching and are strongly reminiscent of maple leaves.

During the summer, the foliage is fresh to dark green, but in autumn this tree is at its most beautiful. The foliage can then turn bright yellow, orange, red and even purplish shades. Combined with its white spring flowers and small apple-like fruits, Malus trilobata offers ornamental value across several seasons.

Why choose Malus trilobata?

• Distinctive three-lobed, maple-like leaves
• Spectacular autumn colours in shades of yellow, orange, red and purple
• Large white flowers in late spring
• Small, decorative, apple-like fruits
• Upright, pyramidal growth habit
• Attracts bees, other insects and birds
- Good winter hardiness

Contents of this product

• 1 x Malus trilobata – Lebanese wild apple
- Pot size: 5 litres
• Height on delivery: approx. 80 cm (approximate)

The tree is supplied in a nursery pot and will continue to grow after planting. Its height, branching and foliage may vary depending on the season, pruning and natural development.

Leaves with a distinctive maple-like appearance

The leaves are one of the most distinctive features of Malus trilobata. Unlike the oval leaves of many other ornamental apple trees, this species has striking, deeply three-lobed leaves.

In spring and summer, the foliage is green. As soon as temperatures drop in autumn, the leaves can take on a striking colour change. Yellow and orange gradually give way to red and, at times, darker purplish-red hues.

This makes Malus trilobata particularly appealing to those who love trees with striking autumn colours.

Flowering and fruits

In May and June, relatively large, single white flowers appear. The pale flowers stand out beautifully against the green foliage and are visited by bees and other pollinating insects.

After flowering, small apple-like fruits measuring around 3 to 4 cm may develop. These change colour from greenish-yellow to reddish hues and are firm and tart. The fruits are mainly of ornamental value and can remain on the tree until late in the season. Birds also enjoy eating the fruits.

Growth and final form

Malus trilobata grows relatively slowly and has a distinctly upright growth habit. A young tree eventually develops into a small to medium-sized tree with a dense, pyramidal to broadly pyramidal crown.

A mature specimen usually grows to a height of around 6 to 8 metres. This makes the tree larger than many compact ornamental apple trees, and it needs sufficient space to develop its natural shape.

Location and care

Plant the Lebanese wild apple in a sunny to semi-shaded position. A sunny spot is preferable for abundant flowering and vivid autumn colour.

The tree grows best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Water young and newly planted trees regularly during dry spells to allow a strong root system to develop.

In spring, compost or organic fertiliser can be applied to encourage healthy growth.

Prune

Malus trilobata requires little pruning. In fact, its natural pyramidal crown is a key feature of this species’ appearance.

If necessary, remove dead, damaged or crossing branches. Heavy pruning is not usually necessary.

Winter care

Malus trilobata is highly hardy and well suited to the Dutch climate. The tree is deciduous. After its spectacular autumn colour display, the leaves fall off and the tree stands bare throughout the winter.

In spring, the tree buds once more and the annual cycle of green leaves, white blossoms, fruit and autumn colours begins anew.

For lovers of unusual ornamental trees

Malus trilobata is particularly of interest to anyone looking for an ornamental apple tree that is distinctly different from the well-known cultivars. Its maple-like foliage and spectacular autumn colour make this species almost as interesting as a foliage tree as it is as an ornamental apple tree.

For example, combine it with Japanese maples, sweetgums or other ornamental trees that change colour in autumn to create a garden where autumn is a particularly colourful time of year.