Purple Crabapple Malus × purpurea 'Neville Copeman'
ABOUT
The plant known as Purple Crabapple 'Neville Copeman' boasts a striking visual appeal. It is adorned with a profusion of blossoms, which are typically a deep, reddish-purple hue. The flowers emerge in the spring, making a dramatic statement with their color and density. These blossoms not only add a beautiful aesthetic to the plant but also attract pollinators such as bees. As spring turns to summer, the Purple Crabapple 'Neville Copeman' produces fruit that is small and decorative, often appreciated more for its ornamental value rather than consumption. The color of the fruit often mirrors the flowers, with shades of red or purple, and it tends to persist on the branches, providing visual interest even after the leaves have fallen. The foliage of the Purple Crabapple 'Neville Copeman' is also worthy of note. The leaves are a rich green, sometimes with tones of reddish-purple, especially when they are new. In the fall, the leaves often change color, adding another layer of beauty to the plant's display. The overall form is typically rounded or spreading, lending a lush, full appearance to the landscape. Its branches can be somewhat twisted or contorted, giving it a distinctive and sometimes rugged look. The bark is generally smooth and may have a grayish tone, providing a nice contrast with the colorful foliage and fruit. Overall, Purple Crabapple 'Neville Copeman' is prized for its stunning and dynamic show of colorful blossoms, leaves, and fruit, which change throughout the seasons, offering a diverse range of visual pleasures. It is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and natural beauty to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Purple Crab Apple, Neville Copeman Crabapple, Red Crabapple, Purple-leaf Crab Apple.
Common names
Malus × purpurea 'Neville Copeman'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as purple crabapple (Malus × purpurea 'Neville Copeman') is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested in large quantities. Eating a few seeds is unlikely to cause harm, but consuming large amounts can lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, respiratory failure and death. It is important to avoid consuming the seeds and to be cautious when handling the fruit if it is damaged, as this can release more of the compounds.
To pets
The purple crabapple (Malus × purpurea 'Neville Copeman') is similarly not highly toxic to pets, but the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. When pets consume the seeds, they might experience cyanide poisoning. The signs of cyanide poisoning in pets include drooling, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and potentially even coma and death. It is recommended to prevent pets from having access to the seeds and to supervise them if they are around the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Purple
Flower color
Pink
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Purple Crabapple tree is known for its attractive foliage and flowers, which add aesthetic value to landscapes.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides food and shelter for various species of birds and beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Highly adaptable and requiring minimal care once established, it's suitable for gardeners with limited time.
- Pollination Aid: As a good source of pollen and nectar, it supports the health of local bee populations and other pollinators.
- Seasonal Interest: With its springtime blossoms and autumn fruit, it offers visual interest across multiple seasons.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Compact Size: Its relatively small stature makes it ideal for urban gardens or limited spaces where larger trees are impractical.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Malus × purpurea 'Neville Copeman', commonly known as Purple Crabapple, can be used as a natural dye source, particularly from the bark and fruits, which can impart various shades depending on the mordant used.
- The wood of the Purple Crabapple is suitable for small woodworking projects and can be used for crafting items like handles, utensils, or decorative objects due to its hardness and fine grain.
- As a natural insect repellent, the leaves and fruit of Purple Crabapple can be used due to their aromatic qualities that some insects find off-putting.
- The fruits of the Purple Crabapple, while not as palatable as domestic apples, can be used to make tart jellies, jams, or added to ciders for a unique flavor profile.
- The tree is used as rootstock to graft other cultivated apple varieties, offering disease resistance and hardy growth characteristics to the grafted plants.
- Purple Crabapple is often planted as a living fence or property boundary marker due to its dense growth habit and the thorny branches of some cultivars.
- The blossoms of the Purple Crabapple can be candied or used as decorative and slightly flavored garnishes for desserts and sweet dishes.
- These trees can act as a wild game attractant, specifically for bird species, providing a food source in the form of its fruits for wildlife in naturalized or rural settings.
- The fallen fruit can be collected and used as a natural compost or mulch, contributing nutrients back into the garden as they decompose.
- Purple Crabapples provide important nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators in the spring, which is critical for supporting local ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Crabapple tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Crabapple tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The dark-pink to purple flowers of the Purple Crabapple showcase its natural aesthetic, symbolizing beauty and admiration.
- Renewal: With its seasonal bloom cycle, the Purple Crabapple is a representation of renewal and the fresh start that comes with spring.
- Love: The appealing blossoms of the Purple Crabapple can signify love, perhaps due to their color and delicate form.
- Protection: In some folklore, crabapple trees are believed to offer protection; hence, the Purple Crabapple may be considered a guardian against negativity.
- Peace: The tree's tranquil presence and the harmonious way it integrates with the environment may symbolize peace and calmness.
WaterThe Purple Crabapple should be watered deeply to establish a strong root system, especially during its first growing season. Water the tree by applying approximately 5 gallons of water once a week under normal conditions. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water twice a week. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot. It's crucial to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the dormant season in winter, reduce watering frequency, but do not let the soil dry out completely.
LightThe Purple Crabapple thrives best in full sunlight with at least six hours of direct, unfiltered light daily. The ideal spot for this tree is in an open area, away from buildings or other trees, where it can receive plenty of sunlight. It is adaptable to partial shade, but bloom and fruit production may be reduced.
TemperatureThe Purple Crabapple can tolerate a range of temperatures, making it quite hardy. It can survive winter lows down to -30°F and is comfortable in the typical summer temperatures up to 90°F. The ideal growing temperature for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F.
PruningPruning the Purple Crabapple is important to maintain its shape, remove any dead or diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune sparingly, focusing on thinning out crowded branches to allow light and air to penetrate the canopy. Annual pruning will also help in producing more flowers and improving the overall health of the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Purple Crabapple trees should be well-draining, loamy, and fertile. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0. Amend the soil with compost before planting to enhance its structure and fertility.
RepottingPurple Crabapple trees, being larger landscape plants, are not typically repotted. They are planted outdoors where they have room to grow and do not require repotting.
Humidity & MistingPurple Crabapple trees are adaptable to a wide range of outdoor humidity levels and do not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth; requires full sun, space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; prune for shape.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleMalus × purpurea 'Neville Copeman', commonly known as Purple Crabapple, begins its life cycle with the germination of seeds, which emerges from fruits that have fallen and decomposed in suitable soil conditions. Following germination, the seedling grows through a juvenile stage where it develops into a young tree, establishing its root system and starting to form a woody stem. As it matures, the tree enters a vegetative growth stage, characterized by the growth of leaves, branches, and overall tree structure, preparing for flowering. In spring, the Purple Crabapple enters its reproductive phase, producing a display of purple-pink flowers that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. Following pollination and fertilization, the tree produces fruits – small purple apples – which mature and eventually fall to the ground, potentially becoming the source for new seedlings. The tree continues to undergo cycles of growth and reproduction annually, living for many years barring disease, environmental stress, or other life-ending events.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The Purple Crabapple 'Neville Copeman' is ideally propagated by grafting, a popular method for many ornamental trees due to its effectiveness in reproducing true-to-type plants. This is best carried out in late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant. Grafting involves taking a scion, which is a cutting from a mature tree that includes buds, and attaching it to a rootstock, which is a seedling or a young tree that will provide the root system. The scion is usually around 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters) in length, and it is important to make clean cuts and align the cambium layers of both the scion and the rootstock to ensure a successful graft. The graft union must be tightly wrapped and sealed to prevent desiccation and infection while it heals. This method of propagation is favored for this plant because it ensures that the unique characteristics of the 'Neville Copeman' cultivar are preserved in the new plants.
