Profusion Crabapple Tree

Crab apples are wonderful trees for spring flower color in the garden, as well as for fall and winter beauty from their handsome fruit. They are especially useful in colder areas, like zone 4, where many other spring-flowering trees are unreliable or will not grow at all. Because they flower a little later than many other plants, the flower buds stay dormant during the early days of spring, so they are protected from the sudden temperature drops typical of the uncertain spring in cold zones. There are many varieties of crab apples, but only a handful stand out as special, and truly worth growing. Near the top of any such list will be the Profusion Crab Apple, a beautiful tree that is also very disease resistant and easy to grow.

Growing Profusion Flowering Crabapple Trees

The Profusion Crab Apple lives up to its name – every spring it is covered in a profusion of violet-red blossoms, making a spectacular display and really getting the growing seasons off to a powerful start. The outside of the flower petals is pure violet, and the inside reddish-pink, creating a very rich color palette you will love. By late summer the bright red fruits will be noticeable, hanging in clusters from the branches. These are small, just ½ inch across, and they too are in profusion. As the leaves fall they become more conspicuous, making a lovely show through fall and the early months of winter.

Pests and Diseases

The Profusion Crab Apple is remarkable for more than its flowers and fruit. There are several diseases that bother crab apple trees, causing yellowing and early leaf drop. Profusion is resistant to all these diseases, and that means a more attractive tree throughout the seasons, and a stronger tree that also resists pests more effectively. If you want healthy plants in your garden – and who doesn’t? – then this is a top-pick among the many crab apple varieties that are available.

Uses on Your Property

The Profusion Crab Apple forms a broad, spreading but upright tree, growing rapidly to 15 feet tall and ultimately reaching as much as 30 feet in ideal conditions. It has a similar spread, and old trees are often a little wider than they are tall. This is a good size for medium-sized gardens, as specimens on a lawn. In a larger garden they can be planted along a boundary, or as a backdrop to other shrubs in the garden. It needs no special training or pruning to develop a good structure, although you can trim it a little to keep it slightly smaller, or to raise the trunk higher. Always prune in winter or during dry periods in summer, and never in spring, as fresh cuts in that season can allow disease to enter.

Uses in the Kitchen

Besides the double benefit of colorful flowers and fruit, you can also harvest the crab apples. You will not like them raw – they are edible but very sour – but once you turn them into jelly will love it. With a wonderful aroma and a beautiful pink color, the jelly will be coveted at the breakfast table, and remind you of the bounty of flowers and fruit to come the following year. If you don’t harvest all the fruit the birds will take it as the weather turns harsher, so the benefit of your tree will not be lost.

Planting and Initial Care

As well as being winter-hardy, the Profusion Crab Apple is easy to grow. It thrives in most soils, although it will grow best and biggest in rich, well-drained slightly acid soil. In practice it is very adaptable, even to compacted soil and urban conditions, so it will grow well in almost any garden. Plant it in full sun for the most flowers, but it will also tolerate a little shade. A spring mulch with compost or rotted manures over the root area, but clear of the trunk, will retain moisture and feed your tree too – it needs nothing more. Water a newly planted tree regularly, but established trees are tolerant of average summer drought conditions.

History and Origins of the Profusion Crabapple Tree

Crab apples are clearly related to eating apples, but they do not come from the same source plants. There are numerous species of apple trees, and many of them have small, sour fruits. These grew across Europe and through central Asia into China. Many were cultivated, and when brought together they often naturally hybridized, or this was done by breeders.

It is hard to know the precise make-up of most of the varieties of crab apples. What we do know about the variety ‘Profusion’ is that it was created some time before 1938 by Simon Gottfried Albert Doorenbos, who was the director of the Hague Parks Department in the Netherlands, from 1927 to 1957. He produced this tree by crossing several species of crab apple trees, and he called his hybrids moerlandsii, although today botanists are not sure what to make of this name.

His tree was given the name ‘Profusion’ in 1948, and it was distributed around the world. Our trees derive directly from that original plant, and they are produced by grafting stem pieces of the tree onto apple roots developed for sturdy growth. These roots give vigor and strength to the trees. We have a limited quantity of this ever-popular disease resistant tree, but the demand is high, so order now while we still have our top-quality stock available for sale.

What kind of wildlife can the Profusion Crabapple Tree attract?

The Profusion Crabapple Tree is a fantastic choice for attracting wildlife to your garden. Its bright red fruits, which hang on the tree well into winter, are a valuable food source for local birds. The fruits are edible but sour, making them less attractive to some animals, but birds seem to love them. So, if you’re a bird watcher or simply enjoy the sight and sound of birds in your garden, this tree could be a great addition.

How can I use the fruits of the Profusion Crabapple Tree in my kitchen?

While the fruits of the Profusion Crabapple Tree are too sour to eat raw, they can be transformed into a delicious jelly. The jelly made from these fruits has a wonderful aroma and a beautiful pink color, making it a delightful addition to your breakfast table. Plus, making your own jelly from the fruits of your tree can be a fun and rewarding process. Just remember to leave some fruits for the birds!

What kind of soil does the Profusion Crabapple Tree prefer?

The Profusion Crabapple Tree is quite adaptable and can grow well in a variety of soil conditions. However, it does prefer rich, slightly acid soils. Despite this preference, the tree is quite hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions, including compacted soil and urban environments. It’s also resistant to typical drought conditions, making it a great choice for areas with less predictable rainfall.

What kind of maintenance does the Profusion Crabapple Tree require?

The Profusion Crabapple Tree is relatively low-maintenance. It’s resistant to most apple diseases, which means it doesn’t require any special disease prevention measures. However, it’s a good idea to rake up and destroy the fallen leaves in winter to further protect the tree. Pruning is not necessary in spring, and in fact, it’s best to avoid pruning during this time to prevent disease. The tree naturally develops a good structure without any special training or pruning.

How big does the Profusion Crabapple Tree get?

The Profusion Crabapple Tree can grow quite large, reaching between 15 and 30 feet in height. It also grows just as wide, making it a substantial presence in your garden. Despite its size, the tree has a sturdy structure with a full, rounded crown. This makes it a great choice as a specimen tree in a medium-sized garden, or as a backdrop to smaller trees and shrubs in a larger garden.

What kind of climate is best for the Profusion Crabapple Tree?

The Profusion Crabapple Tree is a hardy tree that can withstand a variety of climates. It’s particularly winter hardy, making it a great choice for colder regions. The tree is a reliable bloomer in May, so it can handle the unpredictable temperatures of spring. It’s also resistant to typical drought conditions, so it can thrive in areas with less rainfall. However, it does grow best in rich, slightly acid soils, so a climate that can provide this type of soil would be ideal.

What kind of diseases can affect the Profusion Crabapple Tree?

The Profusion Crabapple Tree is highly resistant to most apple diseases, making it a robust and resilient choice for your garden. However, like any plant, it’s not completely immune. To further protect your tree, it’s a good idea to rake up and destroy the fallen leaves in winter. Also, avoid pruning in spring, as fresh cuts during this season can allow disease to enter. With these simple precautions, your tree should stay healthy and vibrant.

Can the Profusion Crabapple Tree tolerate shade?

While the Profusion Crabapple Tree grows best in full sun, it can also tolerate a little shade. This makes it a versatile choice for your garden, as it can thrive in a variety of light conditions. However, for the most abundant flower display, it’s best to plant your tree in a location where it will receive plenty of sunlight.

How fast does the Profusion Crabapple Tree grow?

The Profusion Crabapple Tree is a fast-growing tree. It can rapidly reach a height of 15 feet, and under ideal conditions, it can grow as tall as 30 feet. This makes it a great choice if you’re looking to add height and structure to your garden in a relatively short amount of time. Just remember to give it plenty of space to accommodate its eventual size.

What makes the Profusion Crabapple Tree a standout among other crab apple varieties?

The Profusion Crabapple Tree stands out among other crab apple varieties for several reasons. Firstly, it carries a profusion of vibrant violet-red blossoms every spring, creating a stunning display. Secondly, it produces bright red fruits that hang on the tree long after the leaves have fallen, adding interest to your garden in the colder months. Thirdly, it’s resistant to most apple diseases, making it a robust and resilient choice. Finally, it’s very winter hardy and a reliable bloomer in May, so it can thrive in colder climates where other trees may struggle.