Malus × moerlandsii 'Profusion'
Common Name: flowering crabapple 
Type: Tree
Family: Rosaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Height: 15.00 to 30.00 feet
Spread: 20.00 to 35.00 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Description: Violet-red
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Flowering Tree
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Colorful, Good Fall
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies
Fruit: Showy, Edible
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerate: Air Pollution

Culture

Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained, acidic loams in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Established trees have some drought tolerance. Although some flowers may be lost, it is best to prune this tree as needed in late winter. Spring pruning should be avoided as it produces fresh, open cuts where fireblight bacterium can enter.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Malus is a genus of about 35 species of deciduous trees and shrubs from Europe, Asia and North America.

Genus name from Latin is an ancient name for apple.

‘Profusion’ is a spreading, violet-red-flowered crabapple that typically matures to 15-30’ tall. It is noted for its rounded shape, violet-red flowers, red fruit and good disease resistance. Oval leaves (to 3” long) emerge reddish-purple when young, turn bronze green during the growing season and finally turn varying but sometime good amber fall color. Red buds open in spring to violet-red flowers (1.5” diameter). Flowers are followed by bright red crabapples (to 1/2” diameter) that mature in fall and may persist into winter. Birds are attracted to the fruit. Fruit may be harvested for jellies.

Problems

Generally excellent disease resistance to rust and leaf spots. Moderate susceptibility to powdery mildew. Infrequent susceptibility to scab and fireblight. Potential insect pests are of lesser concern and include tent caterpillars, aphids, Japanese beetles, borers and scale. Spider mites may occur.

Uses

Plant as a specimen or in small groups.