The profusely blooming crab apple tree Malus "Purple Prince" is a vibrant choice for home landscapes. Especially attractive in small, sunny gardens, Purple Prince provides year-round interest with fruiting and foliage as vivid as its blooms. Avoid planting this specimen within a mile of cedar trees to deter cedar-apple rust.
Place it in a sunny spot with excellent drainage, as humidity and waterlogged soil can encourage disease.
Do not fertilize crab apples during the first year. In successive years, apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer annually.
Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained, acidic loams in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils
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.