Product description
Malus ‘Prairie’ Fire is a crab apple with a lavish blossom, beautiful cup-shaped flowers and coloured fruits. Initially this small tree has an upright habit but later it becomes round and grows 5 - 6 m tall. Its year-old twigs are dark reddish brown that produce purple leaves purple that turn dark green as they mature. This ornamental apple is very hardy and thrives in sunny locations in any garden soil.
The ovate to oval emerging leaves are purplish red and turn dark green later in the season. Their yellow-orange autumn colours are very attractive. In May, the purplish pink flowers open out of red buds, which measure 3.5 to 4 cm. They are followed by small, dark purple-red to purple-brown crab apples. The fruits that form on the twigs and branches by fall are significantly large and have a very high luminosity.
Ornamental apples are generally adaptable to soil and location. Prairie Fire prefers a medium-heavy, nutrient-rich soil that is not too dry. It will tolerate even loose soils but no waterlogging.
Malus Prairie is cut tolerant and can be kept in shape with pruning. A slight pruning may also be required to keep the plants healthy or to correct structural problems. Dead and intersecting branches should be removed before spring. Well-rooted plants like this one need additional water only in extreme drought.
Malus Prairie Fire is one of the newer ornamental crab apple varieties. The beautiful flowers provide valuable nectar for bees and its fruits provide food for birds. This makes it perfect specimen small tree in any sized garden.
Crab Apple Tree
Malus 'Prairie Fire'
Malus 'Prairie Fire'
Product description
Malus ‘Prairie’ Fire is a crab apple with a lavish blossom, beautiful cup-shaped flowers and coloured fruits. Initially this small tree has an upright habit but later it becomes round and grows 5 - 6 m tall. Its year-old twigs are dark reddish brown that produce purple leaves purple that turn dark green as they mature. This ornamental apple is very hardy and thrives in sunny locations in any garden soil.
The ovate to oval emerging leaves are purplish red and turn dark green later in the season. Their yellow-orange autumn colours are very attractive. In May, the purplish pink flowers open out of red buds, which measure 3.5 to 4 cm. They are followed by small, dark purple-red to purple-brown crab apples. The fruits that form on the twigs and branches by fall are significantly large and have a very high luminosity.
Ornamental apples are generally adaptable to soil and location. Prairie Fire prefers a medium-heavy, nutrient-rich soil that is not too dry. It will tolerate even loose soils but no waterlogging.
Malus Prairie is cut tolerant and can be kept in shape with pruning. A slight pruning may also be required to keep the plants healthy or to correct structural problems. Dead and intersecting branches should be removed before spring. Well-rooted plants like this one need additional water only in extreme drought.
Malus Prairie Fire is one of the newer ornamental crab apple varieties. The beautiful flowers provide valuable nectar for bees and its fruits provide food for birds. This makes it perfect specimen small tree in any sized garden.
Give your tree the best start
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Feed Malus trees with a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support growth and flowering. Prune annually during winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and maintain an open shape, which improves air circulation and reduces disease risk. For fruiting varieties, thinning the fruitlets in early summer ensures larger, healthier fruits. Protect young trees from harsh winds and frost, as this can damage their growth and blooms.
How to Water
Water Malus trees deeply and regularly during their first year to help them establish a strong root system, especially during dry spells. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from additional watering during prolonged dry periods or when fruit is forming. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation and focus on the base of the tree to avoid wetting foliage, which can lead to fungal issues. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keeps the tree healthy.
How to Plant
To plant Malus, select a sunny position with fertile, well-draining soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth, loosening the soil at the base to encourage root growth. Place the tree in the hole with the graft union above soil level and backfill gently, firming the soil to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot. Space trees appropriately to allow for their eventual size and shape.
