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Rome Beauty Apple Malus domestica 'Rome'

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
MAY-lus doh-MESS-tik-a
Description

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.   

More information on Malus domestica.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#native fruit tree#loamy soils tolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#native fruit tree#loamy soils tolerant
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    High
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Design Feature:
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds