Purple Prince Crabapple Malus toringo 'Aros' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Malus toringo 'Aros', commonly known as the crabapple 'Aros', is an ornamental plant celebrated for its striking appearance throughout the seasons. The foliage of this plant is particularly noteworthy, characterized by its unique dark purple, almost black leaves that maintain their color intensity from spring until fall. The leaves are typically small, with a rounded and slightly serrated edge, attached to the branches by short stems. In spring, the crabapple 'Aros' becomes a focal point in gardens with its profuse floral display. The flowers burst forth in a dramatic contrast to the dark foliage, with blooms that are commonly a delicate shade of pink. These flowers are small, typically with five petals, and cluster together, creating an enchanting and dense floral canopy that is attractive to pollinators such as bees. Following the flowering period, the crabapple 'Aros' produces distinctive fruit. These small apples are usually less than an inch in diameter and can range in color from dark red to purplish, complementing the overall color scheme of the plant. While not typically consumed by humans due to their tartness, these crabapples are often appreciated by birds and wildlife and can add winter interest to the landscape as they may persist on the tree after the leaves have fallen. The branches of the crabapple 'Aros' are elegantly structured, creating a visual interest that is particularly notable during the winter months when the leaves have dropped, revealing the intricate framework of the tree. The bark itself is smooth, contributing to the plant's refined appearance. Overall, the crabapple 'Aros' is admired for its year-round beauty, from the strikingly colored leaves and charming spring blossoms to the eye-catching miniature fruit and elegant branch structure. This plant is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add dramatic color and varied interest to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Crimson Cascade, Purple Prince Crab Apple
Common names
Malus toringo 'Aros' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Malus toringo 'Aros', commonly known as the Sargent Crabapple, is not considered significantly toxic to humans. However, caution should be exercised because consuming large quantities of seeds from the crabapple can be harmful. The seeds contain a compound called amygdalin, which can release cyanide when metabolized. Ingesting a few seeds is unlikely to cause harm, but consuming them in large amounts could lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which may include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and in severe cases, respiratory failure and death.
To pets
The Sargent Crabapple is generally considered non-toxic to pets as well. However, similar to humans, the seeds contain amygdalin and can potentially release cyanide when digested. While a pet is unlikely to access or consume enough seeds to cause harm, ingestion of a large number of seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning in pets might include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, coma or death. It is always best to prevent your pets from consuming any part of plants that have potential toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Dark purple
Flower color
Pink
Height
8 feet (2.44 meters)
Spread
8 feet (2.44 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds visual interest to the landscape with its dark purple, almost black foliage and pink blossoms.
- Compact Size: Ideal for smaller gardens or spaces, as it does not grow too large.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies with its flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with changing foliage colors and fruit.
- Drought Tolerance: Can withstand periods of low rainfall once it is established, conserving water.
- Edible Fruit: Produces small apples that can be used for culinary purposes.
- Shade Provision: Can be planted to provide light shade in garden spaces and seating areas.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The dark foliage and bright red fruit of the crabapple make it an excellent subject for nature photography, particularly in contrast with the changing seasons.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use crabapple trees as a muse for paintings, drawings, or sculptures, especially during the blooming period when the flowers are most vibrant.
- Dye Making: The leaves and fruit can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, offering a range of colors from green to yellow to reddish hues.
- Decorative Branches: Pruned branches of the crabapple tree can be used in floral arrangements or as part of decorative displays in homes or events.
- Culinary Experiments: Although not a common use, the tart fruit of the crabapple can be a challenging ingredient for adventurous chefs looking to add a unique twist to sauces or jellies.
- Educational Tool: The crabapple tree can serve as a living example for educational purposes, teaching children and students about plant growth, pollination, and the life cycle of trees.
- Wildlife Shelter: Crabapple trees can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in gardens and landscapes.
- Craft Material: Fallen crabapple fruit and small branches can be used in creative crafts and DIY projects, such as wreaths, ornaments, or for wood carving enthusiasts.
- Beekeeping Support: The blossoms of crabapple trees produce abundant nectar and pollen, which can be particularly beneficial for beekeepers in supporting their hives.
- Seasonal Celebrations: The striking appearance of the crabapple tree, especially during the autumn season with its fruit and foliage, makes it a perfect addition to festive decorations for events like Halloween or Thanksgiving.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Crabapple is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Crabapple is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Malus toringo 'Aros', commonly known as crabapple, often symbolizes beauty due to its attractive spring blossoms and unique purple-black foliage.
- Renewal: The crabapple represents renewal and new beginnings as it is one of the early bloomers in spring, heralding the end of winter.
- Love: In some cultures, the crabapple is associated with love and marriage; the blossoms are sometimes used in wedding ceremonies and decorations.
- Peace: The fruit and blossom of the crabapple can represent peace, as they bring a calming presence to any garden setting.
- Temptation: Due to the sometimes sour nature of its fruit, the crabapple tree could also symbolize temptation and the choices one faces between good and bad.
WaterThe Crabapple 'Aros' should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells or in the growing season. It's best to water deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. This corresponds to approximately 0.6 to 0.9 gallons for a young tree, depending on the size and the soil's moisture-holding capacity. During the winter, reduce watering to match the plant's dormant state and only water if the soil becomes very dry. Always check the soil moisture at a depth of a few inches and water if it's dry to the touch.
LightThe Crabapple 'Aros' thrives in full sun which means it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and bloom. It's important to plant it in a location where it can enjoy uninterrupted sunlight, away from taller structures or trees that might cast shade on it. Varieties like 'Aros' can tolerate a bit of light shade, but flowering and fruiting are best in full sun.
TemperatureThe Crabapple 'Aros' is hardy and tolerates a range of temperatures, thriving in conditions that are typically between 60°F and 75°F. It can withstand winter chill down to -20°F and summer heat up to 90°F. Plant 'Aros' in regions where typical seasonal temperatures remain within these bounds to ensure good health and growth.
PruningThe Crabapple 'Aros' requires pruning to maintain its shape, remove any dead or diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth and flowering. Pruning should be carried out in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. It's often ideal to prune just after the worst of winter's cold has passed but before the tree enters its spring growth phase.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Crabapple 'Aros' thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix with equal parts of garden soil, compost, and peat moss is ideal, providing good drainage and fertility.
RepottingCrabapple 'Aros' trees are typically planted in the ground and do not require frequent repotting. However, if grown in containers, repot every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingCrabapple 'Aros' prefers average outdoor humidity levels. As a hardy outdoor plant, it is adaptable to various humidity conditions and does not require specific humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Crabapple 'Aros' in bright light and monitor water needs.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleMalus toringo 'Aros', commonly known as Crabapple 'Aros', begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, given suitable moist soil and sunlight conditions. Seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants, forming a small shrub-like structure. As the plant matures, it undergoes a vegetative stage characterized by the growth of dark purple, almost black leaves and a compact, upright habit. During spring, the mature crabapple 'Aros' produces striking dark red-pink blossoms that, if pollinated, will give way to small, ornamental purplish-black apples by late summer. These fruits can persist into winter, providing visual interest and a food source for wildlife. Over many years, the crabapple 'Aros' plant will reach its full size and may eventually decline with age after several decades, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Malus toringo 'Aros', commonly known as the Sargent crabapple 'Aros', is typically propagated through grafting, which is the most popular method for this ornamental tree. Grafting involves joining a piece of a mature, productive Sargent crabapple 'Aros' (the scion) to a healthy rootstock of another Malus species that has desirable root traits. This is usually done during the dormant season, commonly in late winter to early spring. The scion, which is a twig with several buds, is selected from the desired 'Aros' cultivar and is carefully joined to the rootstock using a variation of grafting techniques such as whip grafting or cleft grafting. The graft union is then sealed with grafting tape or wax to prevent drying and disease entry. Within a few weeks to months, the tissues of the scion and rootstock grow together, resulting in a new tree that combines the ornamental characteristics of 'Aros' with the rootstock's vigor and disease resistance.
