Firebird Crabapple

The Firebird Crabapple (Malus sargentii ‘Select A’ [PP 12621]) has been named Woody Ornamental Plant of the Year by the Wisconsin Nursery Association. It can be used as a specimen, in a container or a foundation, in a mixed border, espaliered, or as a topiary. In the spring, the Firebird Crabapple is covered with red flower buds that blossom into fragrant white flowers. Its small, red crabapples stay firm late into the winter, well after its yellow and orange fall foliage drops. It prefers deep, moist soil in full sun and will reach upwards of 6 to 8 ft. in height and 12 to 15 ft. in width.  Hardy to zone 4, it is resistant to apple scab disease, fireblight, cedar apple rust, and mildew. It originated from open-pollinated seed collected by Michael Yanny of Johnson’s Nursery, Inc.