Malus domestica 'Melrose' (Apple Tree)

Common name: Melrose Apple

Description: This American variety, bred from Jonathan and Delicious parentage, produces large, attractive apples with bright red colouring over a yellow background. Melrose offers excellent eating quality with sweet, mildly acidic flesh that stores exceptionally well through winter. The tree is vigorous and productive with good disease resistance. Spring blossoms are white with pink tinges, providing valuable nectar for pollinators. This late-season variety requires patience but rewards growers with high-quality fruit that improves in storage, making it an excellent choice for those wanting apples through the winter months.

Other benefits: excellent winter storage apple, large attractive fruit, good disease resistance, improves with storage

Wildlife attraction: bees, bumblebees, and beneficial insects during flowering; birds including fieldfares, redwings, and thrushes enjoy fallen fruit

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 4-5m x 4m (on semi-dwarfing rootstock)

Position: full sun preferred; benefits from good air circulation

Soil pH: adaptable to pH 6.0-7.5; prefers well-drained, fertile soil

Moisture: consistent moisture beneficial during growing season; well-drained soil essential

Winter hardiness: excellent cold tolerance to -25°C; suitable for all UK regions