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Description
Malus Purple Prince, also known as Crabapple Purple Prince, is a deciduous ornamental tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This tree is native to North America and is widely cultivated for its stunning pink flowers and purple foliage. It is a small tree that typically grows up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, with a rounded shape and spreading branches.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Malus |
Appearance
The leaves of Malus Purple Prince are a deep purple color, which makes it stand out from other ornamental trees. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a serrated edge. The tree also produces stunning pink flowers that bloom in spring, which contrast beautifully with the purple foliage. The fruit of the tree is small and red, and it is usually not edible.
Care Guide
Malus Purple Prince is a relatively low-maintenance tree that requires moderate watering and fertilization. It thrives in well-draining soil, and it prefers full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Water
Water the tree regularly during the growing season to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering during the dormant season.
Fertilization
Fertilize the tree in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat the application once or twice during the growing season.
Soil
Plant the tree in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils.
Sunlight
Malus Purple Prince prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
Malus Purple Prince is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Malus Purple Prince is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including apple scab, fire blight, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust. Regular inspection and treatment with appropriate fungicides can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
Malus Purple Prince is native to North America and is commonly found in gardens and landscapes. It thrives in a variety of soil types and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I eat the fruit of Malus Purple Prince?
A: The fruit of Malus Purple Prince is usually not edible.
Q: How often should I water Malus Purple Prince?
A: Water the tree regularly during the growing season to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering during the dormant season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Malus Purple Prince?
A: Malus Purple Prince is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Malus Purple Prince?
A: Malus Purple Prince is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including apple scab, fire blight, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust.
Related Plants
- Malus ‘Adirondack’
- Malus ‘Candied Apple’
- Malus ‘Dolgo’
- Malus ‘Donald Wyman’
- Malus ‘Golden Hornet’
- Malus ‘Indian Magic’
- Malus ‘Pink Spires’
- Malus ‘Prairifire’
- Malus ‘Profusion’
- Malus ‘Red Jade’
References
- “Malus ‘Purple Prince’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=284794.
- “Crabapple.” University of Minnesota Extension, extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-crabapples-home-garden#pests-and-diseases.
- “Malus.” The Morton Arboretum, mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/malus.
