Apple (Malus) Laxton's Superb Half Standard MM106

Bred by the Laxton Brothers in Bedford in 1897 from parentage including 'Cox's Orange Pippin', 'Laxton's Superb' is a much-loved heritage variety with a rich, aromatic flavour reminiscent of its famous parent. Trained as a half standard on the semi-vigorous MM106 rootstock, it's grown with a clear stem of around 1.2–1.5m before branching begins, giving a traditional, elegant orchard tree that eventually reaches around 4–5m in height and spread.

Pink blossom appears in April and May, followed by greenish-yellow fruit flushed and striped with red. The flesh is firm, slightly dry, and very sweet, with a lovely complex, floral bouquet. Harvest in November, with the fruit storing reasonably well.

'Laxton's Superb' is partially self-fertile and will crop reasonably alone, though it fruits better with a pollination partner in the same period (Group 4) or an adjacent group (3 or 5). It's a vigorous, heavy cropper with a tendency towards biennial bearing, so thinning the fruit in late spring or early summer helps keep both size and cropping consistency up. The clear stem makes half standards ideal for underplanting or grazing animals to graze beneath once established, suiting informal orchards, larger lawns, or anywhere a more traditional tree shape is wanted. Staking is recommended for the first few years while the tree establishes, and MM106 means it will take a little longer to come into fruit than a bush form on more dwarfing rootstocks — usually 4–5 years.

Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained soil, and prune each winter to maintain an open, productive shape. As with all apple varieties, the pips contain small amounts of naturally occurring toxins, so they're best removed if the fruit is being used for cooking with children in mind.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch. Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.