Velvetcole Velvet Pillar™ Flowering Crabapple Tree

Velvet Pillar™ is a narrow, upright crabapple with purple foliage and pink spring flowers. Small red fruit follows, although this selection often fruits sparsely. ## Seasonal Interest The purple leaves hold through the growing season, and pink flowers appear in spring before small red fruit develops. The [Chicago Botanic Garden profile](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/malus-velvetcole-crabapple) describes pink flowers, purple foliage, and red fall fruit; [Trees and Shrubs Online](https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/malus/malus-cultivars-t-z/) records the columnar form and sparse flowers and fruit. ## Form and Placement Use Velvet Pillar™ as an upright specimen or narrow screen where a vertical accent is useful. The [Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/crabapple-cultivars/) lists a mature size of about 20 ft high and 14 ft wide. The Chicago Botanic Garden describes an upright shape and full-sun exposure; its older profile lists hardiness in Zones 3–9. Leave room for the crown to develop and avoid placing fruiting branches over areas where fallen fruit would be inconvenient. ## Maintenance Crabapples benefit from modest pruning to remove water sprouts and improve airflow. Velvet Pillar™ is reported as very susceptible to apple scab, so inspect leaves during the season and remove affected fallen foliage. Prune selectively after flowering or during dormancy, preserving the narrow upright structure.