My new Prairie Fire Crab tree has pink blooms. Shouldn't they be red?

Question

I purchased this tree last year. This is the first spring it has bloomed. The blooms are deep pink. I was under the impression they would be deep red. Not sure if I got the wrong tree or not........

Answer 1

Prairiefire flower buds are red. They open to a lighter pinkish-red color. Here are links to a Prairiefire in bloom:
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/horticulture/Pride_of_Kansas/2002/Prairiefire_Crabapple.htm
http://www.mnpower.com/treebook/fact54.html
http://www.homesteadgarden.com/photo/showphoto.php?photo=34&sl=x

And a close-up of the blooms:
http://www.awelllitgarden.com/Prairiefire.htm

Note: Bloom color can vary by site. Soil and environmental conditions do have an affect on bloom color. It's not just all genetics, though genetics will place limits on the variations possible.

Answer 2

I opened the link below and the excerpt below just jumped out at me.

Prairiefire - deep red flower, 15-20', upright/rounded form
http://www.ci.coon-rapids.mn.us/forestry/flowering_crab.htm
There are, quite literally, hundreds more varieties to select from,...............
............. but buyer beware,.................
it is best to purchase this plant from your local nursery. This insures you are getting what you are paying for in regard to chosen variety, hardiness, and plant quality.