Malus Domestica Summered Apple

Malus Domestica Summerred or Apple Summerred is a hardy, easy-to-grow early season dessert apple tree! Developed in Canada in 1964 at Summerland, British Columbia, this deciduous fruit tree is a cross between the Canadian heritage apple McIntosh Red and the extremely popular Golden Delicious Apple cultivar.

In late April and early May, the pink buds open into fragrant white blossoms which attract bees and butterflies. The medium green leaves are up to 8 cm long, and make Malus Domestica Summerred a pleasant shade tree in the summer months as its fruits develop to maturity in mid-August. The apples are medium to large, averaging 170 grams, with an elongated shape similar to its parent Golden Delicious, and have a red skin speckled with gold on the side facing the sun, while the rest of the skin is greenish-yellow. Pick Malus Domestica Summerred from mid-August to mid-September for fresh eating or cooking, as it is not a good storage variety. The very white flesh is juicy with hints of strawberry, and its balanced sugar-acid ratio makes it a good choice for baking.

Hardy throughout the UK, Malus Domestica Summerred will grow to a mature height and spread of 2-4 metres in 5 to 10 years. As with all apple trees, it needs pruning in late winter or early spring to ensure a good crop of apples. Malus Domestica Summerred is self-sterile, so it needs a pollination partner from pollination group B such as Malus Beauty of Bath to set fruit. Plant Malus Domestica Summerred in full sun or partial shade in an exposed or sheltered position, in moist but well-drained sand, clay, or loam soil with a neutral pH, and plenty of well-rotted organic material added to the planting hole.

Malus Domestica Summerred can be grown as a focal point in a small lawn, where the spring blossoms will be a show-stopper, the summer shade will be welcome, and the red apples from the middle of August will be not only highly ornamental but also available for picking until the end of September. Malus Domestica Summerred can also be grown in a container and trained on a wall or fence as an espaliered apple tree for a courtyard or patio, providing a leafy privacy screen in addition to the late summer fruits. Like any apple tree, it’s a natural choice for an informal country garden!

Malus Domestica Summerred will delight not only with its spring blossoms, but its late summer apples. This hardy Canadian cultivar is suitable for beginners and experienced gardeners alike!