Malus 'Royal Raindrops' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Malus 'Royal Raindrops'

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.4m – 1.8m Approx.
100L: 2.1m – 2.5m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 5m to 7m (approx.)

Mature Width: 3m to 4m

Malus 'Royal Raindrops' is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Malus 'Royal Raindrops'

Malus 'Royal Raindrops' is a deciduous ornamental crabapple with deeply cut, purple-red foliage that holds its colour through summer better than older purple leaved forms. Magenta-pink blossom covers the bare branches in spring, followed by small dark red fruit. Autumn brings orange to bronze tones, and the fruit hangs on after the leaves drop.

It grows 3 to 4 metres tall and wide with a compact, rounded crown, adding 20 to 40 centimetres a year. Full sun gives the best leaf colour and the heaviest flowering. It is frost hardy, takes a wide range of soils including compacted urban ground, and is moderately drought tolerant once established.

Street plantings, park beds, nature strips and residential front gardens all suit it. Space feature trees 3 to 4 metres apart, or 3 metres apart for an even avenue. The fruit is small and mostly taken by birds, so it gives winter interest without becoming a clean up problem over paving.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Royal Raindrops Crabapple

What is Malus 'Royal Raindrops'?

It is an ornamental crabapple grown for its foliage as much as its flowers. The leaves are deeply cut and purple-red, holding colour through summer better than older purple crabapples, and turning orange to bronze in autumn. Magenta-pink blossom covers the bare branches in spring, followed by small persistent dark red fruit.

How big does 'Royal Raindrops' grow?

It reaches 3 to 4 metres tall and 3 to 4 metres wide, forming a compact, rounded crown. That size works on a nature strip or in a front garden without outgrowing the position. Growth of 20 to 40 centimetres a year means it takes a number of seasons to reach full size.

Does it need sun or shade?

Full sun. It will grow in partial shade, but the purple leaf colour fades back toward green and the flowering thins noticeably. Six hours or more of direct sun gives the strongest foliage colour, the heaviest blossom and the best fruit set. An open position also holds a tighter, denser crown.

Is it frost tolerant?

Yes, it is frost hardy and handles regular winter frost without damage, which suits cool and temperate districts including inland and tablelands gardens. Crabapples need winter chill to flower well, so cold winters are an advantage rather than a problem. It also tolerates summer heat and is moderately drought tolerant once established.

Does it produce fruit, and is the fruit edible?

Yes. Small dark red crabapples follow the blossom and hang on well after the leaves drop, giving winter interest. They are edible but sharp, better suited to jelly than to eating fresh. Most of the crop gets taken by birds, and the fruit is small enough that windfall is not a nuisance.

Does it have invasive roots?

No. Crabapple roots are fibrous and relatively shallow rather than aggressive, and they are not associated with lifting paving or damaging pipes. That is part of why it is used so widely in streetscapes and near driveways. Standard practice is still to keep it a few metres from footings and service lines.

How do I prune and care for it?

Prune in winter while dormant, taking out dead, crossing or inward growing branches to keep the crown open. Avoid heavy cutting, which triggers watershoots. Mulch the root zone, water through dry spells for the first few summers, and feed in early spring. Watch for aphids in spring and treat only if numbers build.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Street Tree
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes
Shade Tree
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Malus 'Royal Raindrops' works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Malus 'Royal Raindrops' Evergreen or Deciduous?

Malus 'Royal Raindrops' is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 5m to 7m (approx.)

Mature Width: 3m to 4m

Malus 'Royal Raindrops' is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Growth Rate of Malus 'Royal Raindrops'

Malus 'Royal Raindrops' is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Malus 'Royal Raindrops'

Is Malus 'Royal Raindrops' frost tolerant?

Malus 'Royal Raindrops' is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Malus 'Royal Raindrops' Flower?

Malus ‘Royal Raindrops’ produces masses of vibrant magenta-pink blossoms in mid-spring. The single flowers line the branches in dense clusters, creating a spectacular and colourful display that contrasts beautifully with the tree’s purple-bronze emerging foliage.

Does Malus 'Royal Raindrops' flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

Pink

Is Malus 'Royal Raindrops' an Australian Native Tree?

No

Malus 'Royal Raindrops' is Native to A cultivated crabapple variety bred in North America; parent species (Malus) are native to Europe, Asia, and North America.

What is the Wildlife Value of Malus 'Royal Raindrops' ?

Its spring flowers attract bees, butterflies and a range of pollinating insects, while the small, persistent red fruits provide food for birds well into autumn and winter. The branching canopy also offers shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds, supporting biodiversity in ornamental and suburban gardens.

How much Sunlight does Malus 'Royal Raindrops' need?

Malus 'Royal Raindrops' will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Malus ‘Royal Raindrops’ performs best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral loam or sandy loam soils. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained ground unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to boost aeration and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support strong root development, seasonal flowering and reliable fruit set.

Is Malus 'Royal Raindrops' Drought Tolerant?

Is Malus 'Royal Raindrops' Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, and once established ‘Royal Raindrops’ develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in well-drained soils and benefits from deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods to maintain healthy foliage, strong flowering and consistent fruiting.

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How To Plant Your Malus 'Royal Raindrops'

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Malus 'Royal Raindrops'

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Malus 'Royal Raindrops' is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Malus 'Royal Raindrops'

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Malus 'Royal Raindrops' in Different Soil

Malus 'Royal Raindrops' performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does the Malus 'Royal Raindrops' flower?

A: The Malus 'Royal Raindrops' flowers in the spring, producing a profusion of pink and white blooms.

Q: Can the fruit of the Malus 'Royal Raindrops' be eaten?

A: Yes, the colorful fruit of the Malus 'Royal Raindrops' is edible.

Q: What is the best time to prune the Malus 'Royal Raindrops'?

A: The best time to prune the Malus 'Royal Raindrops' is in the winter, while the tree is dormant.

Q: Does the Malus 'Royal Raindrops' attract wildlife to the garden?

A: The Malus 'Royal Raindrops' is a popular choice for bird-friendly gardens, as its fruit attracts a variety of birds, such as thrushes and waxwings.