Digging deeperPlant Library

Other Names:  Roseybloom, Crabapple

Description:

A highly regarded accent tree smothered in rich red flowers in spring and persistent small purple fruit in fall, upright habit of growth; the definitive ornamental feature tree for the home landscape, needs well-drained soil and full sun

Ornamental Features

Prairiefire Flowering Crab is smothered in stunning clusters of fragrant fuchsia flowers along the branches in mid spring, which emerge from distinctive red flower buds before the leaves. It has attractive dark green deciduous foliage which emerges burgundy in spring. The pointy leaves are highly ornamental and turn yellow in fall. The fruits are showy dark red pomes carried in abundance from mid summer to mid fall.

Landscape Attributes

Prairiefire Flowering Crab is a dense deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy
• Suckering

Prairiefire Flowering Crab is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Prairiefire Flowering Crab will grow to be about 18 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 6 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.

Important Pruning Information

Fireblight can be a problem on crabapples. Please consult our nursery staff for more information on management practices.