Troubleshooting
Malus 'Royalty' problems — and how to fix them
Malus 'Royalty' (Malus 'Royalty') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Apple scab
Fungal disease causing olive-black leaf blotches and early leaf drop; 'Royalty' has only moderate resistance, so rake fallen leaves and improve airflow.
Powdery mildew
White coating on shoots and leaves in dry conditions; prune out affected tips and avoid drought stress.
Fireblight
Bacterial disease blackening blossom and shoots into a shepherd's-crook shape; cut well below infection and disinfect tools between cuts.
Aphids
Distort new growth and excrete honeydew; usually controlled by ladybirds and other predators, or wash off heavy colonies.
Prevent malus 'royalty' problems before they start
Most malus 'royalty' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for malus 'royalty' in general rather than its problems? Read the full malus 'royalty' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Malus 'Royalty' problems — FAQ
Why is my malus 'royalty' apple scab?
Fungal disease causing olive-black leaf blotches and early leaf drop; 'Royalty' has only moderate resistance, so rake fallen leaves and improve airflow.
Why is my malus 'royalty' powdery mildew?
White coating on shoots and leaves in dry conditions; prune out affected tips and avoid drought stress.
Why is my malus 'royalty' fireblight?
Bacterial disease blackening blossom and shoots into a shepherd's-crook shape; cut well below infection and disinfect tools between cuts.
Why is my malus 'royalty' aphids?
Distort new growth and excrete honeydew; usually controlled by ladybirds and other predators, or wash off heavy colonies.