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

Malus domestica

Ellison’s Orange is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a flavourful, easy-to-grow fruit tree. With its distinctive aniseed flavour and excellent disease resistance, this variety is a top pick for those wanting an alternative to Cox’s Orange Pippin. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing, caring for, and enjoying the fruit from Ellison’s Orange apple trees.

Ellison’s Orange is a mid-season apple with a rich history dating back to Lincolnshire. It offers a unique taste profile with a hint of aniseed, making it stand out among other apple varieties. Its juicy texture and good resistance to scab make it an excellent choice for home growers.

Ellison’s Orange was developed in Lincolnshire by Rev. C.C. Ellison in the early 1900s. It is a cross between Cox’s Orange Pippin and Calville Blanc, combining the best qualities of both varieties. The tree is known for producing good crops and thriving in many parts of the UK.

Ellison’s Orange apple trees prefer well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. They perform best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. When grown in the right conditions, they produce good crops of apples that fully ripen by mid-September.

When planting an Ellison’s Orange tree, choose a sunny location with good air circulation. Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and add well-rotted compost to improve soil quality. Position the tree so the graft union is above soil level, then thoroughly backfill and water.

Ellison’s Orange trees require regular watering, particularly in dry spells. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. A balanced fertiliser in early spring ensures strong growth and good fruit production. Care must be taken to avoid waterlogging, as the tree prefers well-drained soil.

Ellison’s Orange apple trees belong to pollination group 4 and require a compatible pollination partner to produce fruit. Planting another apple tree from the same or an adjacent group will ensure successful pollination and a good crop. Suitable partners include Cox’s Orange Pippin and other group 4 varieties. Please check out my article here for more information on Apple pollinating groups.

Pruning is essential to maintain a healthy tree and encourage fruiting. The best time to prune is in winter when the tree is dormant. Remove dead or diseased branches, thin out overcrowded areas, and shorten long stems to encourage vigorous growth. Avoid over-pruning, as this can reduce fruit production.

Ellison’s Orange is relatively low-maintenance and resistant to scab and canker. However, it can be affected by common apple pests such as aphids and codling moth. Regular inspection and organic pest control methods, such as encouraging natural predators, can help keep pests at bay.

Ellison’s Orange apple trees are suitable for growing in large containers. Choose a container-grown tree on a dwarfing rootstock like M26 or MM106 for best results. Use high-quality compost and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. Regular feeding and watering are essential for container-grown trees.

Key Points to Remember:

• 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.

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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. Known for its sweet, juicy flavour with a hint of aniseed, it has an 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 once established, they provide a rewarding crop of delicious apples.

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.