Crabapple (MALUS JFS-KW5) - 'Royal Raindrops'
The stunning, vibrant pink to red blossoms of 'Royal Raindrops' crabapple emerge in spring followed by masses of deep purple cutleaf foliage that maintains its glossy, rich color throughout the heat of summer. Tiny, yet showy, red-purple fruit appear in late summer and persist into winter adding an element of winter interest as well as food for bird populations. Fall color is a medley of bronze, orange, and purple atop the strong branches and upright growth habit of this very adaptable tree. 'Royal Raindrops' is a top performer in windy climates as the sturdy branches don't become windswept like other crabs experience. This tree is considered one of the best of newer cultivars of crabapples and boasts an impressive disease resistance package as well as heat and drought tolerance
Reaching around 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide at maturity, 'Royal Raindrops' is an excellent small tree in the landscape. Cold hardy to USDA Hardiness zone 4, this tree is both beautiful and tough. It stands out among other crabapple cultivars due to its superior disease resistance, adaptability, and heat and drought tolerance. Also a very sturdy variety for wind prone areas, 'Royal Raindrops' is more vigorous than other purple-leaved varieties and quickly gains caliper while developing a sturdy, well-tapered trunk.
Highly adaptable to soil type or pH, but requires full sun and well-drained soil without standing water. After planting, and until established, this tree should be irrigated consistently to keep the soil conditions average to moist. Select a planting site with well-drained soil. Like most crabapples, occasional pruning and maintenance is required. Suckers should be removed if they develop in summer, but pruning should be done in late winter after the threat of extreme cold has passed to remove damaged, diseased, or misplaced growth.