Key features
Final size5 x 3.5 metres in 20 years
FoliageDark green-purple leaves with autumn colour (deciduous)
FlowersDark pink spring flowers, red crab apples in autumn/winter
PositionFull sun to part shade
SoilMost soils except extremes
Description
Packed with colourful features, Malus Royal Raindrops provides interest all year round. In spring, dark pink blossom covers the tree and creates an impressive display. This gives way to glossy dark purple, cutleaf foliage. In late summer, red crab apples make an appearance. These can last into winter, adorning the bare branches and providing food for birds.
With a gently upright habit, Malus Royal Raindrops will grow to a height and spread of 5 x 3.5 metres in 20 years. Coping with inland wind exposure, this purple-leaved Crab Apple tree also can tolerate some drought once established. An easy to care for tree that exhibits good disease resistance and is happy in full sun to partial shade.
AKA Malus ‘Jfskw5’
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Crab Apple trees require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
You can harvest culinary Crab Apples in early autumn or leave them for birds to enjoy. The trees should be pruned in winter but do not require hard pruning. Avoid trimming the tips of branches. Simply remove any dead or damaged branches and shoots at the base of the tree i.e. suckers and water sprouts.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
