Apple (Malus) Egremont Russet — Cordon, 12L Container, M9

The best-known and best-loved of all English russets, Egremont Russet has been a garden favourite since Victorian times, first recorded in 1872. Its flattish, golden-ochre fruits are covered in a rough, bronze russet and hide firm, creamy flesh with a rich, sweet and distinctly nutty flavour. Picked in early October, the apples keep until December, developing further in store, and make a classic partner for a strong cheese. Holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it's a reliable cropper with good resistance to scab.

Trained as a cordon on dwarfing M9 rootstock, it grows to around 1.8–2m and is perfect for fences, walls or small gardens, with several varieties fitting into a modest space. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot in well-drained soil, tie in to a permanent support such as wires or a stake, and prune in late summer to keep its shape and encourage fruiting spurs. Partially self-fertile and in pollination group B, it will crop on its own but gives heavier yields with a partner from groups A, B or C nearby.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.