Thunderchild Flowering Crab vs Ottawa 3 Rootstock

Ottawa 3 Rootstock is the most dwarfing rootstock to come out of the cold-hardy breeding program by the Agricultural Canada Research Station in Ottawa. It produces dwarf to semi-dwarf trees that are 45-55% of standard size. Due to its superior hardiness, it is well adapted to Canadian weather conditions.

It originates from Malling 9 (M.9) and the Robin Crab and is considered more dwarfing than Malling 26 (M.26) and more vigorous than Malling 9. Ottawa 3 Rootstock is very productive and bears fruit early, often requiring structural support when young.

Thunderchild Flowering Crab is a hybrid crab apple known for its attractive and fragrant dark pink blossoms and deep purple mature leaves.

Tree farmers will find this hybrid appealing as a pollinator for other apples, while home growers will enjoy the red pome's ability to attract flocks of Cedar Waxwings in the early spring.

This species is reportedly resistant to fireblight.

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