Malus × moerlandsii 'Profusion Improved'
crab apple (syn. Directeur Moerlands)
This plant is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: fast-growing
- Flowering period: May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Dusky, dark, purple-pink flowers smother the branches in late spring and are followed by cherry-like, reddish-purple edible fruit. The bronze-purple leaves mature to dark green with crimson veins. This vigorous, spreading, purple-leaved crab apple is best in full sun. Pollution tolerant, it makes a gorgeous tree for a sunny, urban site. - Garden care: When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly. Remove dead, diseased and crossing branches while the tree is dormant.