Malus domestica 'Rome'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- MAY-lus doh-MESS-tik-a
- Description
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This is a cooking or baking apple, which keeps its shape well in pies and other baked goods. It can be grown in warmer climates. The mature size of the tree depends on the version you choose, dwarf, semi-dwarf, or standard. It is self-pollinating, but other similar blooming varieties nearby will increase fruit production. Potential pollinators would be Fuji, Braeburn, or a crabapple.
The Rome or Rome Beauty apple is one of the fewer late-blooming varieties. Blooming begins in late May, making it a good tree for areas with late and deep spring freezes. It is grown in some warmer zones, than those listed, in other parts of the world due to its tolerance for a shorter winter.
Soil type needed is average to loamy but it responds to enriched soil with better production. Apple trees do best with a slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.8. Fruit production will respond best to full sun and air movement around the tree and through its branches. It is not recommended to place the tree near taller trees or structures that would shade it for a few hours each day. In summary, air movement, sunlight, and good soil and drainage all lead to a healthy, productive tree.
Its height and width vary from 8-10 feet to 12-15 feet or near standard size about 20 feet.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common apple and crab apple diseases and other plant problems.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Malus
- Species:
- domestica
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Grafting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- USA
- Wildlife Value:
- Pollinators during bloom time.
- Edibility:
- The fruit is round, all red thick skin, sweet and smooth when freshly picked. It tastes mealy over time. It is mostly used for baking. Tart enough for making pies. It will keep its shape, making it a good choice when sautéed or baked. Ripens in late September and can be stored in very cool temps for a quite long time.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- High
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- 12-24 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Pome
- Fruit Description:
- The apple ripens in late September and can be stored for a quite long time if kept near 40F degrees.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The white flower cluster blooms in late season, about late May.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Design Feature:
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
