Deep pink flowers and purple leaves. Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: May Hardiness: fully hardy Dusky, dark, purple-pink flowers smother the branches in late spring and are followed by cherry-like, reddish-purple edible fruit. The bronze-purple leaves mature to dark green with crimson veins. This vigorous, spreading, purple-leaved crab apple is best in full sun. Pollution tolerant, it makes a gorgeous tree for a sunny, urban site. Garden care: When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly. Remove dead, diseased and crossing branches while the tree is dormant.