Prairie Fire Crabapple

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

15-20 Feet

Mature Spread

15-20 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Prairie Fire Crabapple turns every spring into a celebration with deep pink to magenta blossoms that blanket the branches. New foliage emerges reddish purple, then matures to rich green with a warm undertone, setting off the blooms and the glossy, burgundy-red fruit that follows.

As the seasons shift, leaves glow orange-red in fall while the small, dark crabapples persist into winter for birds to enjoy. Compact, showy, and widely disease resistant, it’s a standout for front yards, borders, and wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Prairie Fire Crabapple Care

Plant in full sun, 6–8+ hours daily, in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (about 6.0–7.0). Water deeply the first two years—about 1 inch per week, or when the top 2–3 inches of soil are dry—then water during extended dry spells.

Apply a 2–3 inch mulch ring, keeping mulch a few inches off the trunk. Feed in early spring with a slow-release, balanced tree fertilizer per label directions.

Prune in late winter to early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing wood and to lightly shape; avoid heavy summer pruning. Hardy in Zones 4–8 with notable resistance to common crabapple diseases such as apple scab and powdery mildew. Often grafted—remove any shoots arising from below the graft.

Prairie Fire Crabapple Spacing

For a specimen, allow 15–20 feet from walls and other trees to accommodate a mature 15–20 ft H × 15–20 ft W canopy. For an allee or row, space 12–15 feet on center. Keep at least 6–8 feet back from sidewalks and drive edges for comfortable branch and root clearance.

Container growing suits young trees only; start with a sturdy 20–24 inch diameter pot (18–20 inches deep) with drainage, then plan to transplant to the landscape within 2–3 years. Stake only in windy exposures and remove stakes within one year.

Why Grow Prairie Fire Crabapple?

• Four-season show: saturated pink spring bloom, colorful foliage, and persistent red fruit for winter interest

• Wildlife friendly with nectar for pollinators and small fruits that attract songbirds

• Compact, landscape-ready size that fits small yards and city lots without overwhelming the space

• Low-maintenance routine and strong disease resistance for reliable performance

• Adds instant curb appeal and a bold color statement from spring through fall

Ready to light up your landscape? Plant Prairie Fire Crabapple and enjoy a compact, colorful focal point that performs beautifully in every season.