Purple Cascade Crabapple Malus × purpurea 'Crimson Cascade'
ABOUT
The Malus × purpurea 'Crimson Cascade', commonly known as the Purple Crabapple or Purple-leaf Crabapple, is a deciduous tree that is notable for its striking appearance throughout the seasons. In spring, this Crabapple variety becomes a focal point in the landscape with its profusion of deep pink to crimson flowers that cover the branches, creating a dramatic floral display. The flowers emerge from reddish-purple buds and are typically vivid and flora, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden. Following the bloom period, the tree's foliage adds to its ornamental value. The leaves are a deep purple to burgundy shade when they first emerge, and as they mature, they may turn a bronze-green color, though some purple tinge often remains throughout the growing season. The leaves are typically oval-shaped with a pointed tip and can have serrated edges, giving them a textured look. As summer transitions to fall, the Crabapple bears fruit that can have a diversity of colors, usually ranging from red to purple, which can persist into the winter, providing aesthetic interest as well as a food source for birds and other wildlife. The bark on the Purple Crabapple is also an attractive feature, with a smooth texture and coloring that contrasts with the foliage and fruit, adding yet another layer of interest to the tree's overall appearance.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Purple Crabapple, Crimson Cascade Apple, Red-Leaf Crabapple
Common names
Malus × purpurea 'Crimson Cascade'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Crabapple is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, its seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed or digested. Ingesting a large quantity of Crabapple seeds may potentially result in symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which could include headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, nausea, and potentially lead to more severe symptoms such as convulsions, respiratory failure, or even coma.
To pets
Similar to humans, the Crabapple is not considered highly toxic to pets. However, the seeds, leaves, and stems do contain cyanogenic glycosides. If a pet consumes a large number of seeds, they could potentially suffer from cyanide poisoning. Symptoms may include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, it can lead to coma or death. Pets are less likely to ingest large quantities of seeds, so poisoning is rare, but caution is still recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Purple-green
Flower color
Pink
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Spread
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color with its crimson-red flowers and cascading branches, creating a focal point in gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Shade Providing: Can offer a shaded area beneath its canopy, which is beneficial during hot summer months.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round visual interest with changing foliage and flowers in spring, lush green leaves in summer, and possibly fruit in autumn.
- Compact Growth: Suitable for small gardens due to its limited size compared to other trees.
- Ornamental Fruit: May produce small apples that provide additional visual interest and can be used for decorative purposes.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and upkeep once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water availability, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrops: The vibrant blooms of the Crimson Cascade apple tree can serve as a stunning backdrop for photographers looking for a natural, colorful setting for portraits or artistic shots.
- Canopy for Small Wildlife: The dense foliage and cascading branches can provide shelter and a living space for birds and small animals.
- Educational Tool: This tree can be used in educational settings to teach about hybridization in plants and the cultivation of ornamental varieties.
- Privacy Screening: When planted in a row, Crimson Cascade apple trees can create a natural privacy screen for gardens and outdoor living spaces.
- Bonsai Specimen: With proper training and pruning, this variant has the potential to be cultivated as a bonsai, providing a unique and challenging project for enthusiasts.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Its spring blossoms can be incorporated into events and celebrations that have a theme revolving around springtime or as a symbol of renewal.
- Garden Sculpture: Skillful pruning can turn the Crimson Cascade apple into a living sculpture, contributing to the aesthetic of decorative gardens.
- Craft Material: The branches and flowers can be used in crafts, such as wreath making or as part of floral arrangements.
- Natural Dye Source: Although not commonly known, the petals and possibly the fruit can potentially be used to obtain natural dyes for fabrics or artwork.
- Sensory Garden Inclusion: Its distinct fragrance and the texture of its leaves can be a delightful addition to gardens designed for sensory engagement.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Purple-leaf Crabapple is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Purple-leaf Crabapple is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and grace: The 'Crimson Cascade' variety of Malus, commonly known as the Purple Crabapple, is often associated with beauty and grace due to its striking purplish-red flowers and elegant weeping branches.
- Renewal: Like many crabapple trees, the Purple Crabapple is symbolic of the renewal and the cycle of life, as it flowers in spring signaling the end of winter and the beginning of a new growing season.
- Love and affection: The vivid color of its blossoms can symbolize deep love and affection, making it a thoughtful plant choice for romantic settings or gifts.
- Peace and tranquility: The tranquil appearance of the weeping branches and the calming effect of its coloration associates the Purple Crabapple with peace and serenity.
- Protection and safety: Historically, crabapples have been planted near homes for their protective symbolism, believed to ward off negative influences and provide a safe haven.
WaterThe Purpleleaf Crabapple should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time, which can be roughly 5 to 10 gallons depending on the size and maturity of the tree. During the growing season, especially in hot or dry periods, watering frequency should increase to twice per week. Make sure to water at the base of the tree to ensure that the water reaches the roots. It's important to avoid overwatering as it may lead to root rot, so always check the soil moisture before watering and adjust accordingly.
LightThe Purpleleaf Crabapple thrives best in full sun, which means it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Select a spot in the garden that is not shaded by taller plants or structures to ensure it gets enough light, which is essential for healthy growth and ample blossoming.
TemperatureThe Purpleleaf Crabapple is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, from a winter low of around -20 degrees Fahrenheit to a summer high of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal growing temperature for this crabapple is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure the tree is planted in a location that is not prone to extreme temperature fluctuations for best results.
PruningPrune the Purpleleaf Crabapple to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased branches, ideally during late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. It's also recommended to thin out dense branches to allow for better air circulation and light penetration, which helps prevent disease. The frequency of pruning can vary, but generally, an annual check-up and light pruning are sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPurple Crabapple trees thrive in well-draining loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. For optimal growth, mix garden soil with compost and peat moss to increase fertility and improve drainage.
RepottingPurple Crabapple trees, when grown in containers, should be repotted every 2-4 years in the spring to refresh the soil and encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingPurple Crabapple trees are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but perform best in average outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth; requires outdoor conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure well-draining soil, and mulch around base.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Crimson Cascade flowering crabapple (Malus × purpurea 'Crimson Cascade') begins with germination, where the seeds sprout after experiencing a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. The seedlings grow into juvenile trees, developing rudimentary roots and shoots. As the saplings mature, they establish a more extensive root system and begin to produce the characteristic deep-purple to reddish leaves. Once the trees reach maturity, which can take several years, they experience seasonal cycles of flowering in spring, with showy crimson-to-pink blooms that are pollinated by insects, followed by the development of small red-purple crabapples in the summer or early fall. These fruits contain seeds, which can be dispersed by wildlife, allowing the cycle to begin anew. The mature trees also experience a period of dormancy during the winter, with reduced metabolic activity until the warmer temperatures of spring initiate a new cycle of growth and reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Crabapple 'Crimson Cascade' is typically propagated through grafting, which is the most popular method for this ornamental tree. Grafting involves joining the tissues of the 'Crimson Cascade' to a rootstock of another Malus species that provides hardiness and disease resistance. The best time to graft is in late winter or early spring, just before the growth begins. The scion, which is a cutting of the 'Crimson Cascade', is carefully cut to have a diagonal slope at the bottom end. The rootstock is then sliced to match and the two are joined together with the cut surfaces touching. The joint is then wrapped with grafting tape and sealed with wax to protect it from desiccation and infection. This technique requires skill and experience, as a successful graft will ensure the scion unites with the rootstock and grows into a healthy tree.
