Lord Lambourne Apple Tree: A Classic British Favourite for Every Garden

Malus domestica

The Lord Lambourne apple tree is a high-quality dessert apple renowned for its sweet and juicy taste. Introduced in 1907 and raised by Laxton in Bedford, this variety has become a favourite among gardeners for its reliable crops of apples. With an attractive flavour and an aromatic profile, this apple tree is particularly suitable for northerly regions. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it remains a top choice for those looking to grow a range of apples in their gardens.

The Lord Lambourne apple tree is a partially self-fertile variety that produces regular crops of apples. It belongs to pollination group 2, meaning it benefits from a pollination partner such as James Grieve or Worcester Pearmain. If you have room for one tree, this variety yields well on its own but will thrive even better with another nearby tree.

The Lord Lambourne apple tree thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a sunny location. It is well-suited to growing in both gardens and orchards. Adding compost before planting will help enrich the soil for strong growth.

This variety is commonly grafted onto MM106 rootstock, which offers a good balance of vigour and size. A dwarf rootstock is a great option if you have limited space.

Pruning apple trees is essential to maintaining their shape and productivity. Prune during the dormant period, removing lateral branches that overcrowd the tree. This encourages fruit buds to form and results in regular crops of apples being grown.

The apples ripen in late September, often benefitting from a frost or two to enhance their sweet and juicy flavour.

Lord Lambourne belongs to pollination group 2 and benefits from nearby apple trees, such as James Grieve and Worcester Pearmain, to increase fruit production. Please check out my article here for more information on Apple pollinating groups.

Yes! The tree can be grown as espaliers or in containers, especially when using a dwarf rootstock.

You can buy Lord Lambourne apple trees at garden centres, nurseries, and online retailers. Look for bare-root or potted trees for planting at any time of the year.

Key Points to Remember:

• The Lord Lambourne apple is a high-quality dessert cultivar introduced in 1907
• It produces regular crops of apples and belongs to pollination group 2
• Prune during the dormant period to maintain productivity
• It ripens later in the season, benefiting from a frost or two to enhance flavour
• Available at garden centres, nurseries, and online

Apple ‘Lord Lambourne’ is a versatile and reliable dessert apple variety that is well-suited to UK gardens. With sweet, aromatic fruit and manageable growth, it offers excellent cropping potential and adds year-round interest to any garden. Proper pruning, watering, and pollination ensure a healthy, productive tree and a harvest of delicious apples. Following these growing tips, you can enjoy Lord Lambourne apples fresh from your garden every season!

To see the RHS article, please click here

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

Q: What are the best conditions for growing a Lord Lambourne tree?

A: Lord Lambourne apple trees thrive in well-drained soil and require full sun for at least six hours daily. They prefer a slightly acidic environment, so consider this when selecting a planting location.

Q: Can I buy a Lord Lambourne apple tree online?

A: Absolutely! You can find Lord Lambourne trees for sale online and at garden centres. Ensure you purchase from a reputable nursery specialising in fruit trees to get a healthy Malus domestica Lord Lambourne.

Q: How do I care for my Lord Lambourne apple tree?

A: Caring for your Lord Lambourne tree involves regular watering, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base to suppress weeds and grass, and tie the tree to a stake if it’s young to encourage straight growth.

Q: When does the Lord Lambourne apple tree typically flower?

A: Lord Lambourne typically flowers between April and May. These beautiful blossoms indicate that the tree is healthy and ready to produce fruit.

Q: What does the flavour of a Lord Lambourne apple taste like?

A: Lord Lambourne has a delightful flavour with a sweetness and slight acidity balance. They are perfect for eating fresh or using in desserts, making them a fantastic variety of apple for any garden.

Q: Is the Lord Lambourne apple tree disease-resistant?

A: While no tree is entirely immune, the Lord Lambourne apple tree is resistant to common pests and diseases such as scab, making it a resilient choice for your garden.

Q: What pollination group does the Lord Lambourne apple belong to?

A: Lord Lambourne is part of pollination group 2. This means it needs a compatible pollination partner, so consider planting another eating apple tree nearby to ensure a good fruit set.

Q: How long does a Lord Lambourne apple tree take to produce fruit?

A: A Lord Lambourne apple tree typically takes 3 to 4 years to produce good crops. Patience is rewarded with delicious apples once the tree reaches maturity.

Q: Are there any awards for the Lord Lambourne apple tree?

A: Yes! The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has awarded the Lord Lambourne apple tree the Award of Garden Merit (AGM), a testament to its quality and performance in gardens.

Q: What should I do if my Lord Lambourne apple tree has an old tree look?

A: If your Lord Lambourne apple tree appears aged and less productive, consider pruning it back to encourage new growth. Removing dead or diseased wood will help rejuvenate the tree and improve fruit production.