Malus Royal Raindrops

Royal Raindrops Crabapple

Malus ‘JFS-KW5’ Royal Raindrops®

A small ornamental tree prized for its magenta-pink spring flowers, deeply cut purple foliage, and persistent small red fruit. This flowering crabapple has a dense rounded to upright-spreading habit, with foliage that holds rich purple tones through the season before developing orange, bronze, and purple fall color. It is especially valued for strong disease resistance and multi-season color. 

Type: Ornamental tree
Mature Size: 10–16' wide x 15–20' high
USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Form: Rounded to upright-spreading
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained soil; moderate water once established
Bloom Time / Length: Spring
Wildlife: Bees, songbirds 

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent as a specimen, lawn tree, or street-side accent where colorful foliage is wanted beyond spring bloom. The finely cut purple leaves give it a distinctive texture compared with typical crabapples, and the red fruit extends interest into fall and winter. Sources describe it as having good resistance to the main crabapple diseases, including scab, fire blight, rusts, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. 

Care: Plant in full sun for best flowering, foliage color, and fruiting. Grow in well-drained soil with regular water during establishment, then water during prolonged dry spells. Prune as needed in late winter to maintain structure and airflow through the canopy. 

Trademark / Patent: Royal Raindrops® is a trademarked selection; U.S. Plant Patent PP14,375 was issued December 16, 2003

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20'

Width

15'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Purple

Fall color

Red

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No