Culture
Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained, acidic loams in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Established trees have some drought tolerance. Although some flowers may be lost, it is best to prune this tree as needed in late winter. Spring pruning should be avoided as it produces fresh, open cuts where fireblight bacterium can enter.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Malus is a genus of about 35 species of deciduous trees and shrubs from Europe, Asia and North America.
Genus name from Latin is an ancient name for apple.
‘Camzam’ is a dwarf, white-flowered crabapple tree that matures to 10’ tall by 8’ wide. It is being sold under that trade name of CAMELOT. This dwarf tree is noted for its rounded form, white flowers, red fruit and good disease resistance. Thick, leathery, dark green leaves (to 3” long). Leaves emerge in spring with a burgundy tinge. Red buds open in spring to white flowers (1.5” diameter) with pink tinges on the petals. Flowers are followed by red crabapples (to 1/2” diameter) that age to burgundy red. Crabapples mature in fall and may persist into winter. Birds are attracted to the fruit. Fruit may be harvested for jellies.
Problems
The main diseases of crabapple are scab, fire blight, rusts, leaf spot and powdery mildew. Potential insect pests are of lesser concern and include tent caterpillars, aphids, Japanese beetles, borers and scale. Spider mites may occur.
Generally,‘Camzam’ has good disease resistance to the main diseases of crabapples.
Uses
Plant as a specimen/accent or in small groups. General landscape use.