Apple (Malus) Bardsey M26

A truly rare find — discovered in 1998 growing wild against a house on Bardsey Island off the North Wales coast, this apple may descend from a medieval monastic orchard, with origins possibly dating back to the 13th century. Often dubbed one of the rarest apples in the world.

The fruit is medium-sized and ribbed, with distinctive pink stripes over creamy skin, and a fresh, juicy flavour carrying a delicate hint of lemon. Equally good eaten fresh or lightly cooked. The tree is notably disease-resistant, including strong resistance to scab, and copes well with coastal and windy conditions.

Flowers in mid-season (pollination group 2) and produces fruiting spurs freely. Apples are picked in late September and keep well until mid-November.

Grown on semi-vigorous M26 rootstock, reaching approximately 2.5–3m in height and spread at maturity — a good choice as a bush or espalier tree, and well-suited to exposed or coastal gardens with a little shelter.

Supplied as a healthy, well-rooted tree, ready to establish in its new home. A genuinely unique variety with a remarkable story behind it.