Grow XU

By Walt Bonvell

 

It’s been a long winter, especially for those of us that work outside. But the daffodils are starting to break through the ground, the crocus and Lenten roses are blooming, and the witch hazel is showing off its yellows and reds, all of which means spring is just around the corner. One of my favorite trees is the beautiful Weeping Red Jade Crabapple, Malus “Red Jade.” There aren’t many other trees that reach their full potential for flowering, but the crabapple does. Certain varieties are susceptible to various diseases and insects, so you may want to look for resistant varieties. The flowers are single, with deep pink buds, opening to white with glossy red fruit the birds like. You can find this one-of-a-kind tree on campus in the circle in the front bed of Gallagher Center.