Royal Raindrops® Crabapple Tree

Royal Raindrops® is the ornamental crabapple *Malus* 'JFS-KW5', selected for bright spring flowers, cutleaf purple foliage and persistent red fruit. J. Frank Schmidt lists it for USDA zone 4 at about 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide; the existing catalog ranges include those dimensions. [JFS cultivar profile](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/introductions/royal-raindrops-crabapple/) ## Seasonal Interest Profuse magenta-pink flowers open in spring, followed by deeply lobed purple leaves that retain their color through summer heat. The foliage turns orange-red in fall, and small bright-red fruits persist into winter. JFS notes that the flowers attract pollinators and the long-lasting fruit attracts birds, extending the display after the leaves have fallen. [JFS crabapple article](https://jfschmidt.com/articles/in-search-of-the-best/) ## Placement Allow space for an upright-spreading canopy and choose a location where the spring bloom and purple summer foliage can be seen. Its ornamental fruit is described as small and non-messy, although fruit can still fall near paving or patios. JFS reports excellent resistance to apple scab and cedar-apple rust, with good resistance to fireblight and mildew. ## Maintenance The strong branch angles help the tree develop a balanced crown with less pruning and shaping. Check the structure while young and remove damaged or crossing branches as needed. Sweep fallen leaves or fruit from paths when they accumulate.