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Description
Malus Moerlandsii Profusion Improved, also known as Crabapple, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a hybrid of Malus floribunda and Malus x purpurea. The tree is popular for its vibrant pink/purple flowers that bloom in spring and its small, red fruit that appears in the fall. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, making it a great addition to any landscape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Malus |
Appearance
The Malus Moerlandsii Profusion Improved has a rounded shape with a dense canopy of foliage. Its leaves are oval-shaped, with a glossy texture and a deep green color that turns yellow in the fall. The tree produces clusters of pink/purple flowers that are 1-2 inches in diameter, and small, red fruit that is about 1/2 inch in diameter. The bark is grayish-brown, with a rough texture.
Care Guide
To care for the Malus Moerlandsii Profusion Improved, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones.Water: The tree should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate some drought.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.Soil: The tree prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but does not like wet or heavy soils.Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Malus Moerlandsii Profusion Improved is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:Pests: Aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers, caterpillars, and scale insects.Diseases: Fire blight, cedar apple rust, apple scab, powdery mildew, and crown rot.
Habitat
The Malus Moerlandsii Profusion Improved is native to Japan, but is also commonly grown in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world. It prefers temperate climates with mild winters and warm summers.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall can the Malus Moerlandsii Profusion Improved grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 20 feet tall.
Q: When does the tree produce fruit?
A: The tree produces small, red fruit in the fall.
Q: What pests are common on the Malus Moerlandsii Profusion Improved?
A: Aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers, caterpillars, and scale insects are common pests on this tree.
Q: What hardiness zones is the Malus Moerlandsii Profusion Improved hardy in?
A: The tree is hardy in zones 4-8.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Malus genus include:
- Malus ‘Golden Hornet’
- Malus ‘Evereste’
- Malus ‘Red Sentinel’
- Malus ‘Royalty’
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2019). Dirr’s encyclopedia of trees and shrubs. Timber Press.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Malus moerlandsii ‘Profusion Improved’. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=253692.
- RHS. (2021). Malus moerlandsii ‘Profusion Improved’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/200665/Malus-moerlandsii-Profusion-Improved/Details.
