Malus Prairifire (Crabapple)

Malus ‘Prairifire’ is an upright, broad-rounded deciduous tree with a long season of interest. Opening from pinkish-red buds, masses of slightly fragrant, dark pink to red flowers appear in mid-late spring. Draped in clusters along the branches, they are truly a sight to behold.

Malus 'Prairifire' is an upright, broad-rounded deciduous tree with a long season of interest. Opening from pinkish-red buds, masses of slightly fragrant, dark pink to red flowers appear in mid-late spring. Draped in clusters along the branches, they are truly a sight to behold. The stunning blossoms are followed by abundant purplish-red fruits, 1/2 in. (1.2 cm), that persist for months and do not drop. Emerging maroon or purplish-red in spring, the pointy leaves become dark green with purplish-red veins in the summer, before turning golden-bronze in the fall. Equally attractive is the glossy dark red bark with its prominent lenticels. A beautiful small ornamental tree that is highly disease resistant.

  • Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall and wide (4-6 m).
  • A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in moderately fertile, well-drained soils. Once established, it is drought tolerant.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant, in city gardens or cottage gardens.
  • Require only minimal pruning in late winter, to remove damaged, diseased or misplaced growth.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A3
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Malus – Crabapples
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 15'
– 20'
(4.5m
– 6m)
Spread 15'
– 20'
(4.5m
– 6m)
Spacing 240″ (600cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden