Pink Flowering Crabapple
Malus 'Prairifire'
One of the most disease-resistant crabapples available, 'Prairifire' produces abundant coral-pink buds that open to deep pink flowers, followed by small red fruits that persist into winter for wildlife. This compact tree offers multi-season interest with excellent disease resistance that makes it virtually maintenance-free.
Sun
Full sun
Zones
3–9
USDA hardiness
Height
14-44 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Pink Flowering Crabapple in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ornamental-tree →Zone Map
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Pink Flowering Crabapple · Zones 3–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 14 ft. 0 in. - 44 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 3 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12-24 feet, 24-60 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fruits are rounded pomes that are 1/2 to 5 inches in diameter
Color: Gold/Yellow, Green, Red/Burgundy. Type: Pome. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.
Garden value: Edible
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: Northern Hemisphere
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought
- +Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Moths, Pollinators, Small Mammals, Songbirds
- +Wildlife value: Pollinators visit the flowers. Several butterfly and moth larvae feed on the trees.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Daffodils
Repel rodents that might damage crabapple roots and bark
Chives
Deters aphids and other pests that commonly attack crabapple trees
Marigolds
Repel nematodes and attract beneficial insects for pest control
Lavender
Attracts pollinators and repels moths and other harmful insects
Comfrey
Deep roots bring nutrients to surface, leaves make excellent mulch
Hostas
Thrive in partial shade under canopy, help retain soil moisture
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crops for aphids and attract beneficial predatory insects
Astilbe
Tolerates shade and provides ground cover while attracting pollinators
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that can stunt growth and damage crabapple trees
Eastern Red Cedar
Serves as alternate host for cedar-apple rust disease that severely affects crabapples
Apple Trees
Share common diseases like fire blight and apple scab, increasing infection risk
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent resistance to apple scab, fire blight, and cedar apple rust
Common Pests
Japanese beetles, aphids, tent caterpillars
Diseases
Highly disease resistant, occasional powdery mildew