Edward VII Apple Malus domestica 'Edward VII' (C)
ABOUT
The apple tree 'Edward VII' is a deciduous specimen known for its appealing visual characteristics. It displays a classic apple tree silhouette with a spreading habit that supports a dense canopy of leaves. Throughout the growing season, the leaves are rich and green, providing a lush backdrop for the flowers and fruit. In spring, it boasts a beautiful display of blossom. Clusters of fragrant blossoms appear in shades of soft pink to white, which are not only visually striking but also attract a variety of pollinators to the garden. After the flowering period, these blossoms give way to the fruit for which it is cultivated. The apples themselves are typically quite large and are usually ready for harvest in the later parts of the season. The skin of the fruit is predominantly a deep red hue, often with flushes and stripes of brighter red or green undertones, and a flesh that is crisp and juicy. These characteristics make the fruit both visually appealing and a favorite for consumption in various culinary applications. The tree's bark is typically a greyish-brown, providing a rugged contrast to the smoother, more delicate appearance of the leaves and fruit. This bark texture adds to the tree's overall aesthetic throughout the year, even in winter when the leaves have fallen. The apple tree 'Edward VII' provides year-round interest due to its changing appearance with the seasons—from the flowering in spring and fruit in late summer to the fall colors and the stark beauty of its winter silhouette. It’s a popular choice for gardens due to its ornamental qualities as well as its productive fruit bearing.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Edward VII Apple, Edward VII Cooking Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Edward VII'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Malus domestica 'Edward VII' is apple. Apple trees, in general, are not toxic to humans; the fruit is widely consumed and is safe. However, the seeds within the apple contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when chewed and digested. Consuming a very large number of apple seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning with symptoms including headache, dizziness, confusion, increased blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and potentially coma or death. It is important to note that you would need to consume a very high number of seeds for this to become a risk.
To pets
The apple tree, known commonly as the apple, is not typically toxic to pets; the flesh of the fruit is safe for animals like dogs and cats to eat in moderation. However, similar to humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. Chewing and digesting the seeds can lead to the release of cyanide, which is toxic. Ingesting a significant amount of apple seeds can potentially cause cyanide poisoning in pets, with symptoms including dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, coma or death. It is quite rare for a pet to ingest enough seeds to cause serious harm, as the number required is substantial.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
12-15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blossoms: The plant produces beautiful flowers during the blooming season, adding aesthetic value to landscapes.
- Fruit Production: It yields apples which can be consumed fresh, used in cooking, or processed into products like cider and apple sauce.
- Shade Provider: As a decently-sized tree, it can provide shade and cooling effects in gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The tree offers food and shelter to various species of birds and beneficial insects.
- Pollination Support: The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: With changing seasons, the plant offers different visuals from spring blossoms to summer foliage, autumn fruit, and sometimes attractive winter branches.
- Educational Tool: Use in educational settings to teach about plant life cycles, horticulture, and fruit production.
- Carbon Sequestration: Like all trees, it captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
- Soil Improvement: The tree's root system can help prevent soil erosion and improve soil health through leaf litter decomposing into organic matter.
- Cultural Significance: Often planted in home gardens, the apple tree holds a place in many cultures as a symbol of growth and health.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: The bark, leaves, and fruit of the apple tree can be used to create natural dyes for coloring fabrics and other materials.
- Woodworking Material: Apple wood is valued for its fine grain and is used in making small specialty wood items, such as tool handles, sculptures, and smoking pipes.
- Plant Grafting Stock: Apple trees are often used as rootstocks for grafting other apple varieties to combine desirable traits, such as disease resistance and hardiness.
- Educational Resources: Branches can be used in classrooms or educational programs to teach students about tree growth, fruit development, and plant biology.
- Fruit Pectin Source: Home cooks can extract pectin from the fruit for use in making homemade jams and jellies, as it acts as a natural thickener.
- Permaculture Practices: Apple trees can be integrated into permaculture gardens to provide shade, wind protection, and support for climbing plants.
- Children's Crafts: Fallen leaves and dried apple slices can be used in children's crafts for creating natural art projects and decorations.
- Photography Subject: Because of their blossoms and fruit, apple trees can serve as an ideal subject for photography enthusiasts, especially in the spring and autumn.
- Insectary Plant: Apple trees attract beneficial insects that can help with the pollination of plants and control of pest populations in a garden setting.
- Animal Feed: The fruit, when fallen or in excess, can be used as feed for farm animals such as pigs and horses.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Apple Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Apple Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Knowledge - The Edward VII apple, like apples in general, are often associated with wisdom and knowledge, harking back to the story of Adam and Eve where the apple was the fruit of knowledge.
- Abundance - Apple trees are prolific fruit bearers and as such, they have become symbols of abundance and generosity.
- Youthful Beauty - In various cultures, apples represent health and beauty, possibly due to their refreshing taste and beneficial nutrients that help maintain a radiant complexion.
- Love and Desire - In Greek mythology, apples are associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, tying them to themes of desire and attraction.
- Magical Properties - Some folklore traditions hold that apples have magical properties, often used in spells for love or fertility.
- Immortality - Norse mythology references apples as giving immortality to the gods, making them a symbol of eternal life or youth.
- Peace and Harmony - Gifted as a token of peace, apples can symbolize the restoration of harmony and the ending of conflicts.
WaterThe apple tree known as Malus domestica 'Edward VII', commonly referred to as the Edward VII apple tree, requires regular watering to establish deep roots and support growth, especially during its first growing season. Water the tree once a week with approximately 5 gallons of water, ensuring moisture reaches deep into the root zone. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Once established, reduce watering to when the top couple inches of soil become dry, still aiming for a deep soak. Avoid overwatering, as standing water can lead to root rot and other issues.
LightThe Edward VII apple tree thrives in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant this tree in a spot that is not shaded by buildings or other trees to ensure it gets ample light throughout the day, which is crucial for healthy growth and abundant fruit production.
TemperatureThe Edward VII apple tree is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures; however, it grows best when the temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. It can withstand winter cold down to around -20°F and summer highs up to 90°F. Avoid planting it in areas that experience extreme temperature fluctuations or frost during the blossoming period.
PruningPruning the Edward VII apple tree is essential for maintaining tree health, encouraging fruit production, and shaping the tree. Prune during the dormant season, late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Thin out some of the new growth to prevent overcrowding of branches. Aim to create an open, vase-like shape for the tree to maximize fruit quality.
CleaningNot needed
SoilApple trees like 'Edward VII' require well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix can be created by combining garden soil, compost, and some sand to improve drainage.
RepottingApple trees including 'Edward VII' variety, once planted in the ground, do not require repotting. Trees in containers may be repotted every 2-3 years to provide fresh soil and to increase pot size for growth.
Humidity & MistingApple trees such as 'Edward VII' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do best in outdoor conditions where humidity is naturally regulated by the environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing 'Edward VII' apple trees indoors is impractical.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny position with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the 'Edward VII' apple (Malus domestica 'Edward VII') begins with germination, where the seed requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy before it can sprout. Following germination, the seedling stage sees the establishment of roots and shoots, developing into a young tree. As the tree grows, it enters the sapling stage, during which time it develops a more robust root system, trunk, branches, and foliage but does not yet produce fruit. The apple tree reaches the maturity stage after a few years, starting to blossom in spring, with the setting of fruit soon after pollination by bees or other insects. Apples mature through the summer and are typically ready for harvest in late summer to fall, depending on the variety and climate conditions. Finally, the post-harvest period involves either entering a dormant phase in winter or, in the case of managed orchards, potentially preparing for another growth cycle through pruning and maintenance.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The common apple tree, specifically the Malus domestica 'Edward VII', is typically propagated by grafting, which is the most popular method of propagation for this variety. This process usually takes place in late winter or early spring before the sap starts flowing. In grafting, a cutting from a desired 'Edward VII' apple variety, known as a scion, is fused onto a rootstock of another apple variety. The scion is selected for its fruit qualities, while the rootstock is chosen for its size, hardiness, and disease resistance. The two are joined together by making a diagonal cut on both the scion and the rootstock and fitting them together so that the cambium layers (the layer between the bark and wood which is responsible for the secondary growth) match. This junction is then wrapped and sealed to keep out disease and retain moisture, allowing the scion and rootstock to grow together and form a new apple tree.
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