Malus Domestica Winston Apple

Malus Domestica Winston is an ideal tree for the small garden; small to medium-sized, and self-fertile, with a good crop of all-purpose apples that will store for months. This fruit tree is a recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit as well as the designation Perfect for Pollinators.

Developed in 1900 in Berkshire by William Pope, Malus Domestica Winston is a cross between Cox’s Orange Pippin and Worcester Pearmain. Its original name was Winter King, but it was renamed Winston in 1944, possibly as a tribute to the wartime leader Winston Churchill. In mid to late spring, the scented, pale pink blossoms will attract the pollinating bees to the garden. The flowers are followed by small, russet-coloured apples with a creamy white flesh with an aromatic, rich flavour which starts out a little tart but mellows in storage, where it will still be in good shape the following April!

Hardy in all parts of the UK, Malus Domestica Winston is an especially good choice for gardens in colder or wetter parts of the UK. It will grow to a mature height and spread of 4-8 metres in 5 to 10 years, and needs annual pruning in late winter to ensure good fruit production. While it is reliably self-fertile, you can maximise the harvest by having another tree in Pollination Group D in the vicinity such as Braeburn or Charles Ross.

Plant Malus Domestica Winston in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position with a south or west-facing aspect in any well-drained sand, clay or loam soil with a neutral pH. It is very resistant to scab, canker, and mildew.

Malus Domestica Winston can be effectively trained into a variety of forms, such as espalier, cordon, or fan, and used against a wall or fence to create a screen with the appeal of spring flowers, summer leaves, aromatic autumn fruits, and the architectural form of the bare branches in winter. Pruned to size, it’s perfect for a small city garden where it can fruit without a pollination partner, providing a long season of beauty as well as its delicious apples. In a country garden, it can be allowed to grow to its full size, making it a great specimen tree for a lawn. As part of a mixed orchard, it will serve as a good pollination partner and also guarantee an even bigger crop.

Disease-free, small and self-fertile, Malus Domestica Winston will make a great choice for the UK gardener!