Malus 'Royalty' – A Regal Crabapple with Deep Purple Foliage and Stunning Spring Blossoms
Malus 'Royalty' is an exceptional ornamental crabapple tree known for its striking deep purple foliage, abundant spring blooms, and vibrant fruit. This compact, deciduous tree adds year-round interest with its colourful flowers, dramatic foliage, and ornamental fruit, making it a perfect choice for gardens, parklands, and urban spaces.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring: In spring, Malus 'Royalty' is smothered in clusters of rich, magenta-pink to red flowers that appear before the leaves, creating a dazzling display. The blooms are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, adding both beauty and ecological value to the garden.
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Summer: During the summer months, the tree's dark purple foliage deepens in colour, creating a striking contrast with the green landscape. Small, round red fruits begin to form, adding further colour and attracting birds.
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Autumn: As autumn arrives, the foliage of 'Royalty' turns to shades of orange and red, providing an eye-catching finale to the growing season. The red fruits remain on the tree, adding a pop of colour and providing food for wildlife during the colder months.
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Winter: In winter, the tree’s bare branches and lingering red fruits create a visually striking silhouette. The compact structure of the tree provides year-round interest, even in the depths of winter, and the fruit provides food for birds and other wildlife.
Structure & Form
Malus 'Royalty' is a small to medium-sized tree, typically reaching a height of 4–6m (13–20ft) with a spread of 4–6m (13–20ft). It has a rounded, bushy growth habit, creating a dense canopy of foliage that provides ornamental beauty and shade. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller gardens, courtyards, or as a specimen tree in larger landscapes.
Ideal for Various Landscapes
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Small Gardens & Urban Spaces: Due to its compact form and striking appearance, 'Royalty' is perfect for smaller gardens, patios, and urban environments where space is limited but visual impact is desired.
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Specimen Tree: With its regal foliage, vibrant flowers, and colourful fruit, 'Royalty' makes an excellent specimen tree, providing a dramatic focal point in any garden or park.
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Pollinator & Wildlife Gardens: The spring blossoms attract pollinators, while the fruit provides food for birds and other wildlife, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
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Mixed Borders & Hedgerows: 'Royalty' works well in mixed borders or as part of a naturalistic planting scheme, where its seasonal colours and form can be combined with other shrubs, perennials, and ornamental trees.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best flowering and foliage colour, plant in a sunny location, although it can tolerate some shade.
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Soil: Prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy, this tree is well-suited to temperate climates and can withstand frost and cold temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of regions.
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Maintenance: Low-maintenance; prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and maintain shape. While generally pest-resistant, occasional care may be needed to ensure its health, particularly in urban environments.
Why Choose Malus 'Royalty'?
Malus 'Royalty' is a striking ornamental tree that combines vibrant spring blossoms, rich purple foliage, and ornamental fruit, creating year-round beauty in your garden. Its compact size, hardiness, and wildlife benefits make it a versatile choice for a range of landscapes, from small urban gardens to larger parklands. Whether as a specimen tree or part of a mixed border, 'Royalty' offers a dramatic presence and seasonal interest throughout the year.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Other Ornamental Trees – Pair with Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) or Prunus (Flowering Cherry) for a mix of contrasting colours and textures.
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Flowering Shrubs – Combine with Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose) or Cornus alba (Red-Twig Dogwood) for year-round interest and contrasting foliage.
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Perennials & Grasses – Underplant with Heuchera, Hostas, or Echinacea for texture and colour throughout the seasons.
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Spring Bulbs – Complement with Crocus, Daffodils (Narcissus), or Tulips for a vibrant early-season display as the tree begins to bloom.
Malus 'Royalty' is an elegant and eye-catching tree that offers seasonal colour, fragrant flowers, and dramatic foliage. With its compact size and minimal maintenance needs, this tree is perfect for small spaces, wildlife gardens, and urban landscapes. Whether in full bloom or adorned with vibrant fruit, 'Royalty' is sure to be a standout in any garden.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
