Crabapple trees are scene stealers on the spring garden stage, covering their canopies with a bright cloak of flowers worthy of a standing ovation. Crabapples are suitable for both large and small gardens. In addition to abundant spring flowers, crabapples produce small fruits that attract birds and other wildlife. "Firebird" crabapple (Malus sargentii "Select A" PP12621) is a patented cultivar developed in Wisconsin. Unlike many other crabapples, this tree's fruit is not fit for humans to eat. According to ZipCodeZoo's website, "Firebird" grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8.
"Firebird" crabapple is a dwarf variety that grows only about 5 feet tall with a canopy that eventually spreads to about 8 feet wide. Like the rest of the tree, the trunk is small, measuring 4 inches or so at maturity. As the tree ages, the reddish-brown bark turns light brownish-gray and may peel slightly. The branches grow perpendicular to the limbs. Limbs and branches may become so dense that they begin to rub against one another. When this happens, the tree may be pruned to prevent injury and improve air circulation. The leaves are three-lobed when young, maturing to an oval shape. Foliage is yellowish-green, slightly darker on top than on the underside, and turns bright yellow in the fall.
Fruit and Flowers
A late bloomer compared to many other Malus sargentii cultivars, "Firebird" makes up for its tardiness with an eye-catching color show. The tree produces numerous clusters of six to eight red buds with purple overtones. These bloom into delicate, slightly fragrant white flowers. Once summer slips past, "Firebird" crabapples begin to turn red, ultimately becoming a dark, flamboyant red. The crabapples are about 1 inch in diameter and eaten by birds once the fruit softens. "Firebird" crabapples often persist through December or later, providing interest in the garden long after the leaves are gone.
Culture and Disease Resistance
"Firebird" prefers a moist, well-drained soil with a pH level of 5.5 to 7.5. The tree produces optimal flowers and fruit when it is planted in full sun. Plant the trees before they begin to produce leaves in spring if you are putting them in the yard. Outdoor trees should be spaced 6 to 8 feet apart. Newly planted trees should be kept moist until the roots are firmly established. After that, the tree requires little maintenance other than pruning crowded branches and removing suckers. "Firebird" is resistant to several diseases that can decimate other crabapples, including scab, fireblight, mildew and cedar-apple rust.
Its small stature makes "Firebird" suitable for use as a foundation plant in the garden, massed or grouped together, or trained as espalier against a fence or building. It can be used as a patio tree and grows well in containers. Tolerant of abuse by deer and rabbits, "Firebird" is also tough enough to survive in polluted urban areas. When choosing a planting site, keep in mind the broad spread of the tree's dense canopy, which may shade out smaller plants in summer.
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