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Purple Prince Crabapple

Malus 'Purple Prince'

The Story

Plant Bio

Malus is a genus of small deciduous trees or shrubs in the family Rosaceae, widely cultivated for their showy spring flowers and often colorful fruit.

'Purple Prince' is noted for its persistent purple foliage that retains color well into summer, rose-red flowers, and small, maroon fruit with excellent disease resistance.

Uses & Benefits:

A standout ornamental tree prized for its vibrant rose-red spring flowers, season-long purple foliage, and persistent small maroon fruits that add winter interest.

Its compact, rounded form makes it an excellent choice for smaller landscapes, city gardens, and as a street tree where space is a consideration.

The spring blossoms are a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators, while the persistent fruits provide a crucial winter food source for birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Medium

Native To

Cultivar

Toxicity

Fruit is edible in small amounts; seeds contain cyanide.

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with full sun and well-drained, loamy soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the original soil, gently firming it around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Full sun is essential for the best foliage color and flowering; color may fade to bronze-green in summer heat or shade.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during the first few years.
Prune suckers from the base of the tree as they appear.
Allow fruit to persist for winter bird interest.
Ensure good air circulation to minimize disease.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote weak growth.
Don't prune in late summer or fall.
Avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal disease risk.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Showy specimen tree for four-season interestStreet or lawn planting for vibrant colorPollinator garden focal point

Companion Plants

Heuchera 'Palace Purple'Nepeta 'Walker's Low'Hemerocallis Narcissus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Purple Prince Crabapple questions

What zones can Purple Prince Crabapple grow in?

Purple Prince Crabapple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Purple Prince Crabapple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Purple Prince Crabapple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Purple Prince Crabapple bloom?

Purple Prince Crabapple typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Purple Prince Crabapple need full sun?

Purple Prince Crabapple does best in full sun (6+ hours).