Praire Fire Crabapple - 2 inch

Prairie Fire Crabapple (Malus 'Prairie Fire') 

Description:
Prairie Fire Crabapple (Malus 'Prairie Fire') is one of the most popular ornamental crabapples, prized for its stunning, long-lasting spring display and year-round beauty. In mid to late spring, this tree is covered in masses of bright pink to magenta-red, slightly fragrant flowers. The new foliage emerges maroon or purplish-red, maturing to dark green with reddish veins in summer and transforming to vibrant shades of orange, red, and purple in fall. Small, purplish-red fruits persist into winter, providing food for birds and adding winter interest. The tree features a glossy dark red bark and a rounded, upright habit, making it perfect as a specimen, accent, or street tree. Prairie Fire is highly disease resistant, low maintenance, and adaptable to a range of soil types.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Malus 'Prairie Fire'

• Common Name: Prairie Fire Crabapple

• Type: Deciduous ornamental tree

• Mature Height: 15–20 feet

• Mature Spread: 15–20 feet

• Growth Habit: Upright, spreading, becoming rounded

• Foliage: Maroon or purplish-red in spring, dark green with reddish veins in summer, orange/red/purple in fall

• Flower Color: Bright pink to magenta-red, slightly fragrant

• Bloom Time: Mid to late spring

• Fruit: Small, purplish-red, persistent into winter (not messy)

• Bark: Glossy dark red with prominent lenticels

• Light Requirements: Full sun

• Soil: Moist, well-drained; tolerates a wide range of soils

• Water Needs: Average

• Hardiness Zones: USDA 4–8

• Maintenance: Low; prune to shape after flowering, minimal pest/disease issues

• Resistances: Highly disease resistant, especially to apple scab

• Wildlife: Attracts birds, bees, butterflies; fruits are a winter food source

• Uses: Specimen tree, accent, street tree, pollinator gardens, wildlife gardens