The Complete Guide for Fuji Apple (Malus Domestica ‘Fuji’) Care


The Fuji Apple, otherwise known as the Malus Domestica ‘Fuji’ or Apple ‘Fuji’, Fuji Apple, Malus ‘Fuji’, is a rather well known tree plant by gardening enthusiasts around the world.

Best known for its high maintenance and moderate growth, this tree will likely liven up your house (or garden) with its green colored leaves. But, only if you learn how to take proper care of it for it to thrive.

This is why all the topics you need to know in order to achieve this will be covered in this Fuji Apple Care Guide. Ready? Let’s go!

In order to take proper care of your Fuji Apple you’ll need to keep in mind the following guidelines:

  • Water: The Fuji Apple spreads on the floor when growing in the garden. It require frequent watering when potted.
  • Light: Keep your Malus Domestica ‘Fuji’ in an environment where it can receive full sun on a daily basis. 
  • Soil: Make sure to keep the Fuji Apple in soil with moist but well-draining properties, so ideally, one that is made of sand, loam, and clay.

And as with many other plants, these are the only three care factors you need to remember to make sure your Fuji Apple is, for the most part, healthy and well to survive.

Scientific / Botanical Aspects

In botanical terms, the Fuji Apple belongs to the Rosaceae family, the genus Malus and the species Domestica, hence its scientific (or botanical) name Malus Domestica ‘Fuji’ (MAY-lus doh-MESS-tik-a).

Other popular Rosaceae plants include species like Ramanas Rose, Versailles Laurel, Prunus Salicina ‘Ozark Premier’, Serviceberry, ‘Brilliantissima’ Chokeberry, Badja Peak Mint Bush, Cotoneaster humifusa, Berri-Magic® Japanese Skimmia, Blushing Knock Out® Shrub Rose, Aronia nigra, Rosa X ‘Cecile, Bing Sweet Cherry, Forsythia X ‘Courtasol’, Granada, Red Delicious Apple, Taiwan Firethorn ‘Santa Cruz’, Yellow Lady Banks Climbing Rose, Solidago ‘Crown Of Rays’, Prunus X Cistena, Potentilla Fruticosa ‘Hachapp’, Malus X Domestica ‘Golden Delicious’, Cotinus Coggygria ‘Lilla’, Braeburn Apple, Malus Domestica, Maule’s Quince, Pink Stripe New Zealand Flax, Potentilla Fruticosa ‘Gold Star’, Prunus Cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’, Thundercloud Cherry Plum, Prunus Persica Var. Nucipersica ‘Snow Queen’, Rhododendron Yakushimanum ‘Crete’, Rosa ‘Golden Showers’, Climbing Rose ‘Joseph’s Coat’, Rosa X ‘New Dawn’, Spiraea Japonica ‘Conspiyet’, Thriller Lady’s Mantle, Egyptian Thorn ‘Kasan’ and Spiraea × arguta ‘Grefsheim’.

As with other Malus’s, the Fuji Apple is a deciduous plant, which means it will shed its leaves annually once autumn comes.

Growing Region

The Fuji Apple is a plant native to Japan and the United States.

As a rule of thumb, we recommend to always keep in mind your plants’ native region and environment, since these are the conditions that your Fuji Apple is most accustomed to, thus where it can most favorably.

With this in mind, the Malus Domestica ‘Fuji’ will be most used to regions where the plant hardiness level falls between 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a and the ideal climate zone is between 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 6, 14, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23.

Growth and Size

Growth

In terms of size and growth, the Fuji Apple is a relatively moderate grower, which makes things somewhat easy for any plant enthusiast.

Size

But, how big does the Fuji Apple actually get? What should you expect in terms of size? Let’s dive right in…

The Malus Domestica ‘Fuji’ can grow up to 12′ – 15′ (3.6m – 4.5m) in 12′ – 15′ (3.6m – 4.5m) and 12′ – 15′ (3.6m – 4.5m) in 12′ – 15′ (3.6m – 4.5m). 

Also, expect it to grow in a wonderful columnar shape, which is something worthwhile to remember when making your garden landscape plans.

Watering

In terms of watering, the Fuji Apple is a fairly complicated plant to take care of. This is mostly because it has a not so straightforward watering schedule and somewhat irregular watering needs.

Specifically, most experts agree that the Malus Domestica ‘Fuji’ spreads on the floor when growing in the garden. It require frequent watering when potted.

Which is why it is considered a plant with relatively average needs in terms of water. 

As a rule of thumb, you should remember to keep your Fuji Apple in soil with moist but well-draining to well-draining characteristics, as these will guarantee the right conditions for your plant to grow and thrive. 

When you consider this, this is why you should aim to choose soil that has good drainage properties to keep the right moisture levels at all times. 

In our experience, the famous ‘thumb’ or ‘finger’ test is what works best for the Fuji Apple since with it, you will be able to give it the right amount of water, every time – regardless of the environment or placement where you do decide to keep it.

Soil Mix

As mentioned earlier, the Fuji Apple prefers to have soil with good drainage properties at all times, reason why you need to make the soil mix out of sand, loam, and clay.

This is why most experts agree that the Fuji Apple requires soil with loam (silt), which will give you the right conditions it needs.

In addition to this, expert gardeners recommend having preferably neutral soil.

Light and Exposure

In terms of light & exposure, the Fuji Apple requires full sun in order for it to thrive under the right conditions

Most experts agree that this tree will do well as long as you keep it in full sun, and it will be able to grow properly.

Specifically, we recommend that you place your Malus Domestica ‘Fuji’ in full and direct sun (more than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).

Season

Being a deciduous plant, the Fuji Apple will shed its leaves annually once autumn comes. But, you can expect it to have its ‘prime-time’ during the spring (mid, late), the summer (early, mid, late), and during the fall.

Flowers

You can expect your Fuji Apple to flower around the spring months from April to June (spring). In particular, this tree is well known for its showy flowers around the plant enthusiast community.

The Fuji Apple produces some beautiful white or pink flowers around this time of year.

Foliage

The leaves from the Fuji Apple have a beautiful green color during most of the year.

The Fuji Apple is well known for being able to attract butterflies, birds and hummingbirds, so keep that in mind when choosing your plant, as you’ll likely end up finding one or another in your garden.

Garden

Does your Fuji Apple have any garden recommendations? Does it serve any gardening purposes? Here’s how you can get the most out of your new plant.

Most Malus Domestica ‘Fuji’ owners agree that this tree will look great in most contemporary, mediterranean, cottage, asian/zen and sustainable gardens of all types. Other owners consider that they complement well most gardens of informal and cottage styles. 

In particular, the Fuji Apple’s best use for landscaping within your garden is as kitchen garden, container, specimen, espalier, mass planting, or a urban garden.

Companion Plants

Fuji Apple’s do well with some other plants beside it. One good companion plant is the Lavandula, which will pair up nicely with your leafy friend.

Others consider that a nice Allium will work well too, so choose whichever you find works best for you!

Conclusion

And we’ve come to an end. Fortunately, that’s everything you need to know about your Fuji Apple to keep it safe and sound in your garden or home. Enjoy planting!

Martin Duran

Hey y'all! My name is Martin Duran and I am from Cali, Colombia. Since 2018 I have been learning about plants and how to take care of them. Here's is my journey... “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” ― John Muir

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