Crabapple, Prairifire

Malus 'Prairifire'

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Details

The Prairifire Crabapple tree is a small deciduous tree with profuse red blossoms nearly covering the branches in spring. Red-purple fruit that follows, provides a source of food for birds. Reddish green leaves. Disease resistant.

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Uses & Attributes

  • Brilliant Spring Blooms: The Prairifire Crabapple Tree produces masses of deep pink to red blossoms in early spring, creating a stunning display that brightens any landscape.
  • Year-Round Appeal: Offers color and interest in every season — showy blooms in spring, glossy green foliage in summer, red fruit in fall, and a graceful branching form in winter.
  • Attracts Wildlife: The small red-purple fruit is a favorite among birds, providing a natural food source well into winter.
  • Great Fall Color: The reddish-green leaves turn shades of orange and purple in autumn, adding vibrant seasonal contrast.
  • Compact Growth Habit: Reaching about 20 feet tall and wide, it’s perfect for smaller yards, ornamental plantings, or landscape focal points.
  • Disease Resistant: Highly resistant to common crabapple diseases like apple scab, fire blight, and cedar-apple rust, ensuring long-lasting beauty.
  • Low Maintenance: Once established, the Prairifire Crabapple Tree requires minimal pruning and care, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil.
  • Pollinator Friendly: The blossoms attract bees and butterflies, supporting local pollinator populations.
Care & Pruning

Caring for the Prairifire Crabapple tree involves planting in full sun and providing moderate watering. Prune in late winter to remove damaged wood and maintain a healthy structure.

Light Needs: Full Sun
Size: 20' x 20'
Spacing: 20-25'
Water Use: Medium
Growth Rate: Medium
Hardiness: -20 to -30 F
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Planting Info

1. Dig a hole 1.5 times as wide as the diameter of the rootball. Depth of the hole should be equal to depth of the rootball.

2. Set plant in the hole so the top of the rootball is even or slightly above ground soil level.

3. Refill around the rootball with a mix of 1/2 existing garden soil and 1/2 Earl May Organic Planting Mix blended with Earl May Structure. Step down on soil to eliminate any large air pockets.

4. Build a soil ring the size of the rootball around the plant, to help hold in water.

5. Add a 2 inch layer of mulch around the plant, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

6. Water slowly with Earl May Plant Start mixture right away. Enjoy watching your new plant grow!


Why Choose the Prairifire Crabapple Tree


The Prairifire Crabapple Tree (Malus ‘Prairifire’) is one of the most popular ornamental crabapple varieties for its exceptional color, durability, and ease of care. Designed to shine through every season, it’s an ideal choice for homeowners and landscapers seeking both aesthetic beauty and long-term performance.

  • Spectacular Seasonal Display: From its fiery spring blooms to its red fruit and colorful fall foliage, the Prairifire Crabapple Tree offers unmatched visual interest.
  • Perfect for Urban and Suburban Landscapes: Compact size and strong adaptability make it ideal for street plantings, front yards, and mixed borders.
  • Low-Mess Fruit: Produces small, ornamental fruit that persists through winter without creating yard messes.
  • Hardy and Reliable: Thrives in cold climates, tolerates heat, and maintains vigor even in less-than-perfect soils.
  • Long Bloom Period: Flowers last longer than many other crabapple varieties, extending the spring color season.
  • Wildlife and Pollinator Value: Provides nectar for pollinators and fruit for birds, adding ecological value to your garden.
  • Beautiful Structure: Its rounded canopy and reddish bark deliver year-round architectural beauty — even without leaves or blooms.

Our Guarantee

At Earl May, our top priority is your success with your lawn and garden purchases. That's why we stand behind our products with our GET MORE Guarantee.


1-Year Nursery Guarantee: Hardy nursery stock and perennials are guaranteed for one full year from the date of purchase.* This includes: Trees, Shrubs & Shrub Roses, Evergreens, Perennials, Hardy Grasses & Vines, and Edible Fruits.


Bonus: Extend your nursery guarantee for an additional 1 year by purchasing 1 gallon of Earl May Plant Start on the same sales receipt as your nursery product.


*For complete guarantee details and how it works, visit Our Guarantee.