Malus domestica 'Pink Lady' is a premium apple cultivar, renowned for its unique taste and attractive appearance. Developed in Australia, the Pink Lady apple is a cross between the 'Golden Delicious' and 'Lady Williams' apples, combining the best traits of both. It's celebrated for its excellent balance of sweetness and tartness, crisp texture, and a striking pink blush over a yellow background.
Common Name: Pink Lady Apple
Mature Height (meters): 3-4 meters
Mature Width (meters): 2-3 meters
Spacing: Plant about 3-4 meters apart from other trees or structures to allow for adequate growth and sunlight exposure.
Foliage: The foliage of the Pink Lady apple tree is a vibrant green, providing a lush backdrop for the spring blossoms and colorful fruit. The tree exhibits a vigorous growth habit.
Flowering Period: Blooms in mid to late spring, producing beautiful white flowers that are essential for pollination and fruit set.
Fruit: Pink Lady apples are known for their distinctive pink blush on a yellow to green background. The flesh is crisp, juicy, and sweet with a tart undertone. They are excellent for fresh eating, salads, and various culinary uses due to their ability to retain shape and flavor when cooked.
Form/Habit: This variety typically has an upright and spreading growth habit, making it suitable for a variety of landscape designs and space considerations.
Uses: Ideal for orchard planting and home gardens. Its attractive appearance and fragrant blossoms also make it a lovely ornamental tree.
Pollination: Requires cross-pollination with another apple variety that flowers at the same time, such as 'Gala', 'Granny Smith', or 'Fuji', for effective fruit production.
Sun: Prefers full sun to ensure optimal growth and fruit production.
Maintenance: Requires regular pruning to maintain an open canopy, encourage air circulation, and maximize fruit production. Pruning should be done in late winter when the tree is dormant.
Water Requirement: Moderate; consistent watering is important, especially during dry spells and in the tree's early years.
Malus domestica 'Pink Lady' is an outstanding apple variety known for its delightful flavor profile and beautiful fruit. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a productive and attractive fruit tree to their garden, offering the dual benefits of delicious apples and ornamental value.