Why Ellison’s Orange Is the Ideal Mid-Season Apple for UK Gardens

Malus domestica

Ellison’s Orange is a superb option for UK gardeners seeking a flavoursome, easy-to-grow fruit tree with exceptional disease resistance. Renowned for its distinctive hint of aniseed and juicy, aromatic flesh, this variety offers a delicious alternative to the popular Cox’s Orange Pippin. Whether new to growing apples or expanding your orchard, Ellison’s Orange is a reliable, rewarding choice. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from planting and growing to pollination, pruning, and harvesting—so you can enjoy healthy trees and bountiful crops for years.

Ellison’s Orange is a mid-season dessert apple that stands out for its flavour complexity and dependable performance in the garden. While its parent, Cox’s Orange Pippin, is known for intense aromatic notes, Ellison’s Orange adds a subtle twist—often described as a delicate aniseed flavour—which makes it a true talking point at the table.

The fruit is medium-sized, with a handsome red flush over a green-yellow base, and the flesh is crisp, juicy, and beautifully scented. Not only does it taste exceptional when freshly picked, but it also stores well for several weeks, developing deeper flavour in storage.

Ellison’s Orange was first bred in Lincolnshire in the early 1900s by Reverend C.C. Ellison. It’s a cross between Cox’s Orange Pippin and Calville Blanc d’Hiver, bringing together the best attributes of both parents—intense aroma, flavour depth, and a juicy bite—with improved disease resistance and easier care requirements. Its reliable cropping and strong regional heritage make it a firm favourite among traditional and modern orchard growers

To achieve the best results, plant your Ellison’s Orange apple tree in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. These trees thrive in full sun, receive at least six hours of direct light daily, and tolerate light shade. Good air circulation is essential to minimise the risk of fungal issues such as apple scab and to encourage strong, upright growth.

Ellison’s Orange is well-suited to many parts of the UK and is particularly adaptable to cooler, temperate climates. Under favourable conditions, the fruit ripens by mid-September and is ready for harvest when the skin colour is rich and the fruit detaches easily from the tree.

Choose a well-lit, sheltered site with ample growing space for the tree. Here’s a step-by-step guide to successful planting:

• Dig a hole twice the width and depth of the root ball or bare-root spread.
• Incorporate plenty of well-rotted manure or compost to improve soil structure and fertility.
• Position the tree so the graft union sits just above the final soil level.
• Backfill the hole gently, firming the soil around the roots without compacting it.
• Water the tree thoroughly after planting and apply a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture and deter weeds.

Staking is recommended for newly planted trees, especially in windy areas or for trees on dwarfing rootstocks.

Once established, Ellison’s Orange trees are relatively low maintenance. However, consistent care will significantly improve fruit quality and yield:

• Watering: Keep the soil moist during dry spells, particularly during the first few seasons and fruit development.
• Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base in early spring to suppress weeds and regulate moisture levels.
• Feeding: In spring, use a balanced organic fertiliser (such as blood, fish, and bone) to support healthy growth and fruiting.
• Weed Management: Keep the area around the trunk clear to avoid competition for nutrients.

Avoid overwatering and poor drainage, as waterlogged conditions can lead to root problems.

Ellison’s Orange belongs to pollination group 4, which flowers relatively late in the season. To ensure successful fruit set, it must be planted near a compatible apple tree that flowers at the same time. Suitable pollination partners include:

• Cox’s Orange Pippin
• Spartan
• Suntan
• Egremont Russet

If you’re short on space, consider a family tree with multiple grafted varieties or use a nearby ornamental crab apple tree as a pollinator. For more guidance on pollination groups and compatible varieties, please take a look at my Apple Pollination Guide.

Pruning is vital for maintaining a healthy structure, encouraging airflow, and promoting fruiting. The best time to prune Ellison’s Orange apple trees is during the dormant season, typically between November and February.

Key pruning tips:

• Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood.
• Thin out overcrowded branches to allow light into the canopy.
• Shorten overly vigorous shoots to shape the tree and maintain balance.
• Avoid heavy pruning all at once—gradual shaping over time is more effective and less stressful for the tree.

Summer pruning may be done for trained forms like cordons and espaliers to maintain shape and encourage fruit bud formation.

Ellison’s Orange has good natural resistance to scab and canker, which makes it an excellent choice for low-spray or organic gardens. However, like all apple trees, it can occasionally suffer from:

• Aphids – Control with natural predators such as ladybirds or use organic insecticidal soap.
• Codling moth – Use pheromone traps or apply nematodes as a biological control.
• Apple sawfly – Monitor blossom and fruit for damage and remove affected fruitlets.

Good hygiene, regular inspection, and companion planting (e.g., attracting beneficial insects) will all help minimise pest problems.

If you have limited space, Ellison’s Orange can be grown in a large container, provided you choose the right rootstock. Dwarfing options such as M26 or MM106 are ideal for pot culture, though MM106 may eventually require a half-barrel-size planter or larger.

Tips for successful container growing:

• Use high-quality soil-based compost with added grit for drainage.
• Water consistently, especially in hot weather—container trees dry out faster.
• Feed regularly with a liquid fruit tree fertiliser during the growing season.
• Repot every 2–3 years to refresh the soil and prevent root binding.

Ellison’s Orange apple trees are widely available from specialist nurseries, online suppliers, and reputable garden centres across the UK. Look for healthy bare-root trees in winter or container-grown trees year-round. Choose a tree on a rootstock that suits your available space and desired growth habit:

• M26 for small gardens and pots
• MM106 for medium-sized gardens
• M25 for larger, open spaces and traditional orchards

Always buy from trusted UK fruit tree suppliers to ensure disease-free, high-quality stock when ordering online.

I’ve grown Ellison’s Orange for many years now, and it remains one of my top apple varieties—not just for its flavour, but for how well it performs in a typical UK garden. That subtle hint of aniseed in the fruit makes it special—it always gets a reaction from visitors! I love that it offers the character of a Cox but with far better disease resistance, which means less faff and more fruit. It’s a pleasure to care for, especially with its tidy habit and reliable cropping. It does exceptionally well in my slightly breezy, sunny spot—good airflow helps keep scab at bay. Whether you’re adding your first apple tree or expanding your collection, Ellison’s Orange is one I always recommend. Give it a go—you won’t be disappointed come harvest time.

• Ellison’s Orange is a mid-season apple with a unique aniseed flavour
• It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun but tolerates partial shade
• The tree belongs to pollination group 4 and benefits from a pollination partner
• Regular pruning helps maintain a healthy tree and improves fruit production
• It has good resistance to scab and canker, making it a reliable choice for home growers
• Suitable for container growing with the proper care
• Available from many garden centres and online retailers

Ellison’s Orange apple trees are a fantastic addition to any garden. They offer delicious fruit and strong disease resistance. With proper care, they provide years of enjoyment and rewarding harvests.

To see the RHS article, please click here.

Want to learn about other apple varieties? Read about Apple Egremont Russet here.

For more information on Fruit for your garden, please click here.

Q: What is Ellison’s Orange Apple Tree?

A: The Ellison’s Orange Apple Tree (Malus domestica ‘Ellison’s Orange’) is a highly regarded dessert apple. It is known for its sweet, juicy flavour with a hint of aniseed and attractive striped red and green skin. This heritage variety has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, recognising its excellent qualities for home growing.

Q: How do I care for my Ellison’s Orange Tree?

A: Caring for an Ellison’s Orange Apple Tree involves regular watering, pruning, and pest management. For the best results, plant it in well-drained soil in a sunny position. An annual feed in spring will support healthy growth and fruiting. Watch for apple scab, as this variety can be somewhat prone to it.

Q: What is the pollination group for Ellison’s Orange?

A: Ellison’s Orange belongs to pollination group 4. This means it will benefit from being planted near another apple tree from the same or an adjacent pollination group, such as Cox’s Orange Pippin or Blenheim Orange, to help ensure good fruit production.

Q: Can I plant an Ellison’s Orange Tree as a stand-alone tree?

A: While it is possible to plant it as a stand-alone tree, you will get a better crop if planted near another compatible apple variety for cross-pollination. If space is limited, consider a self-fertile variety as a companion.

Q: When can I expect to harvest apples from my Ellison’s Orange tree?

A: Ellison’s Orange apples are usually ready for harvest around mid-September. Newly planted trees may take a few years to produce fruit, but they provide a rewarding crop of delicious apples once established.

Q: What are some common issues with Ellison’s Orange?

A: This variety is susceptible to apple scab, so good airflow around the tree and prompt removal of affected leaves can help manage the issue. Regular pruning also helps maintain the tree’s health and productivity.

Q: Where can I buy an Ellison’s Orange Apple Tree?

A: Ellison’s Orange Apple Trees are available from garden centres and online nurseries. Look for reputable suppliers that offer healthy, well-cared-for trees, whether bare-root or container-grown.

Q: What makes Ellison’s Orange an excellent dessert apple?

A: Ellison’s Orange is an exceptional dessert apple. Its sweetness, juiciness, and subtle aniseed flavour make it delicious when eaten fresh and work well in fruit salads and autumnal dishes.

Q: How do Ellison’s Orange apples compare to Cox apples?

A: Ellison’s Orange apples are often compared to Cox’s Orange Pippin due to their rich flavour, but they tend to be juicier and slightly softer in texture. They also have a unique aromatic quality that sets them apart. Ellison’s Orange is a fantastic alternative if you enjoy Cox apples but prefer a sweeter, juicier bite.