Cornell Farm Malus Royal Raindrops Crabapple

At maturity, this tree reaches about 20 feet in height with a 15-foot spread. You should plant it at least 8 to 10 feet away from structures or other trees to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

Yes, the Royal Raindrops variety is specifically bred for high disease resistance, making it much less prone to common crabapple issues like apple scab or fire blight compared to older cultivars.

The tree produces small, persistent red fruits that are designed to stay on the branches well into the winter to feed birds. While some fruit may eventually drop, it is generally not considered a high-mess tree.

While it is drought-tolerant once established, you will need to water it regularly during its first growing season to help the root system settle into your soil. After the first year, it will require significantly less frequent irrigation.

While it arrives in a 10-gallon container, this tree is intended for landscape planting. It will eventually outgrow a container and perform best when planted directly in the ground where its roots can spread.

This tree requires full sun, which means at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting it in a shaded area will cause the foliage to lose its deep purple intensity and may result in fewer flowers.