Apple Tree Annie Elizabeth

A first-class cooking apple for the north of England, being extremely hardy. Sweet fruit - does not require sugar.

The story behind this beautiful apple is in fact quite lovely and goes like this (according to the Heritage Centre at Leicester Arts and Museums Service)...

"In the graveyard of the church of St Mary Magdalen in Knighton, Leicester is the grave of Annie Elizabeth Greatorex aged one. Her father, Samuel Greatorex named a cooking apple after his daughter."

Originally a seedling from Blenheim Orange, the Annie Elizabeth received a first-class certificate from the Royal Agricultural Society in 1868 and was introduced commercially by Harrison's of Leicester in about 1898.

• Season of use October-April.
• First introduced around 1857, Leicestershire, UK.
• Self-fertile - but pollination by another apple will maximise yield.
• Grown on MM106 rootstock for an ultimate (unpruned) height of 12-15ft (3.65-4.6m) but can easily be kept at a height of 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m).

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

Recommended by the RHS to assist in encouraging bats into the garden as the flowers are likely to attract moths and other night-flying insects which bats love to eat!