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Golden Raindrops Crabapple

Malus transitoria 'Schmidtcutleaf'

The Story

Plant Bio

Malus transitoria, the cut-leaf crabapple, is a small, graceful tree with a delicate, open habit and deeply lobed leaves that give it a fine-textured appearance unlike most other crabapples.

'Schmidtcutleaf', sold as GOLDEN RAINDROPS, is an outstanding selection noted for its excellent disease resistance, unique lacy foliage, and profuse, persistent, tiny golden-yellow fruit that glows in the autumn sun.

Uses & Benefits:

This is a standout crabapple for its four-season interest. It offers fragrant white spring blossoms, delicate lacy summer foliage, masses of tiny, bright yellow fruit that persist into winter, and an elegant, vase-shaped silhouette.

Its superior resistance to common crabapple diseases like scab, fire blight, and cedar-apple rust makes it a truly low-maintenance choice for homeowners and municipalities. The fruit is tiny and not messy on patios or walkways.

The spring flowers are a vital pollen source for bees. The persistent small fruits are a favorite winter food source for cedar waxwings, robins, and other songbirds, providing a beautiful and lively spectacle in the winter garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

216 inches

Width

156 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

30-50 years

Native To

China

Toxicity

Non-toxic, but seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides.

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; crabapples hate wet feet.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Set the tree so the root flare is at or just above soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Its upright, open habit requires minimal pruning. Avoid over-pruning to maintain its naturally graceful form and fine texture.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best flowering and fruiting.
Water regularly during the first year of establishment.
Allow ample air circulation around the tree.
Remove any suckers that appear at the base of the tree.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or shady locations.
Avoid frequent, shallow watering.
Do not over-fertilize, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth.
Don't plant other susceptible apple or crabapple varieties nearby.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fine-textured specimen for small yardsDisease-resistant alternative to other crabapplesWinter interest tree for bird-watchers

Companion Plants

Syringa patula 'Miss Kim'Geranium 'Rozanne'Paeonia lactiflora Festuca glauca Allium 'Globemaster'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden Raindrops Crabapple questions

What zones can Golden Raindrops Crabapple grow in?

Golden Raindrops Crabapple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Golden Raindrops Crabapple deer resistant?

Yes — Golden Raindrops Crabapple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Golden Raindrops Crabapple bloom?

Golden Raindrops Crabapple typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Golden Raindrops Crabapple need full sun?

Golden Raindrops Crabapple does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Golden Raindrops Crabapple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Raindrops Crabapple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.