Product description
If you are looking to add a burst of colour and attract wildlife into your garden, the lovely Malus 'Royalty' is the perfect choice. This small rounded tree offers dramatic glistening purple foliage that sometimes almost looks black. The foliage turns to a vivid red in the autumn and falls in the winter. Contrasted with the dark leaves are the stunning clusters of deep pink and crimson flowers which bloom in spring.
This Crab Apple tree is fully hardy and thrives in fertile, well-drained soil. It will tolerate full sun and partial shade and is tolerant of pollution. It can reach a height of 8m with a spread of 8m, creating a fabulous decorative focal point in a garden. Plant next to an entrance gate, alongside a pond or in a dull corner to add colour and interest.
Unlike other Crab Apple trees, the fruits of the Malus 'Royalty' are not suitable for culinary purposes. They do remain on the tree for a long time and will attract bees, butterflies and birds into your garden throughout the autumn and even into the winter. In winter the bare branches offer ideal roosting perches for birds and they form perfect resting places for night creatures like tawny owls.
Crab Apple Tree
Malus 'Royalty'
Malus 'Royalty'
Product description
If you are looking to add a burst of colour and attract wildlife into your garden, the lovely Malus 'Royalty' is the perfect choice. This small rounded tree offers dramatic glistening purple foliage that sometimes almost looks black. The foliage turns to a vivid red in the autumn and falls in the winter. Contrasted with the dark leaves are the stunning clusters of deep pink and crimson flowers which bloom in spring.
This Crab Apple tree is fully hardy and thrives in fertile, well-drained soil. It will tolerate full sun and partial shade and is tolerant of pollution. It can reach a height of 8m with a spread of 8m, creating a fabulous decorative focal point in a garden. Plant next to an entrance gate, alongside a pond or in a dull corner to add colour and interest.
Unlike other Crab Apple trees, the fruits of the Malus 'Royalty' are not suitable for culinary purposes. They do remain on the tree for a long time and will attract bees, butterflies and birds into your garden throughout the autumn and even into the winter. In winter the bare branches offer ideal roosting perches for birds and they form perfect resting places for night creatures like tawny owls.
Give your tree the best start
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Feed Malus trees with a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support growth and flowering. Prune annually during winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and maintain an open shape, which improves air circulation and reduces disease risk. For fruiting varieties, thinning the fruitlets in early summer ensures larger, healthier fruits. Protect young trees from harsh winds and frost, as this can damage their growth and blooms.
How to Water
Water Malus trees deeply and regularly during their first year to help them establish a strong root system, especially during dry spells. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from additional watering during prolonged dry periods or when fruit is forming. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation and focus on the base of the tree to avoid wetting foliage, which can lead to fungal issues. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keeps the tree healthy.
How to Plant
To plant Malus, select a sunny position with fertile, well-draining soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth, loosening the soil at the base to encourage root growth. Place the tree in the hole with the graft union above soil level and backfill gently, firming the soil to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot. Space trees appropriately to allow for their eventual size and shape.
