Botanical profile

Malus 'Prairifire'

Latin name
Malus 'Prairifire'
Common name
Ornamental crabapple 'Prairifire'
Type
Fruit tree
Family
Rosaceae

Malus 'Prairifire' is a highly prized ornamental apple tree known for its lustrous purple foliage and intense magenta-pink spring bloom, which immediately catches the eye early in the season. Its rounded, slightly spreading habit, moderate growth, and high disease resistance make it an excellent choice for specimen plantings, ornamental hedges, or structured alignments. In summer, it produces small dark red to purple fruits that persist until winter, offering beautiful decorative value and attracting wildlife. Its foliage, initially dark purple, turns bronze-green, then coppery red in autumn. Adaptable to various well-drained soils and preferring a sunny exposure, 'Prairifire' stands out for its lasting colorful palette and ease of maintenance in any type of garden.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 3
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Moderate watering
Fertilization
Spring, mature compost, or balanced fertilizer
Soil type
Well-drained, tolerant
Minimum temperature
'-40°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Spring
Flower color
Pink
Fruiting
Small, dark purple, ornamental, persistent fruits
Foliage color
Purple ? bronze green ? coppery red
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Slightly flared rounded
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
6 m (20 ft)
Width
5 m (16 ft)
Growth rate
Moderate
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Fruit tree type
Crabapple
Pet friendly
Safe for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.