Apple 'Apistar is an ancient variety bearing fruits with a spectacular shape, wonderful flavour and fascinating history.
First recorded in the 16th century, but almost certainly dating back to Roman times, this rare variety was thought to have been lost. Recently rediscovered and given the modern name ‘Apistar’, it was christened ‘Pomum Pentagonum’ by the monastic communities of Europe, who attached religious meaning to its distinctive star pentagon shape, representing the five wounds of Christ. In Victorian England, the apple became popular as a Christmas table decoration.
Apple ‘Apistar’ forms a vigorous, fertile tree with a slightly weeping habit. A late-picking variety, it is ready to harvest from November to December, the fruits remaining relatively undamaged when left on the tree during the early winter months.
The decorative, star-shaped fruits ripen to green with an attractive red/orange blush on the sun side. To obtain the best colour, we recommend shoot thinning in early September to allow full exposure to the sun. When sliced, a five-pointed star formed by the five ovaries is revealed. The flesh is white, crunchy and juicy with a sweet tangy flavour. Thick, waxy skin protects the pulp from moisture, making ‘Apistar’ an exceptionally long keeper that will store until May.
Apple ‘Apistar’ is late flowering and usually misses the early damaging frosts, promising good crops nearly every year. The fruits exhibit good disease resistance and tend to be free of both scab and powdery mildew. These Apistar trees have been grafted onto an M111 which combines dwarf growth and high vigour. It produces a small tree with a strong root system that tolerates poorer soils.
Use: Dessert and culinary
Pollination Group : 3
Harvest: November to December
Rootstock: M111. Dwarf rootstock. Ultimate height and spread: 2.5m (8.2ft).
Estimated time to cropping once planted: 2 years.
Estimated time to best yields: 4 years.
Growing Information
Plant fruit trees in any well drained soil in a sheltered sunny position. Prior to planting, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole and drive the stake into the ground to support the tree. Staking after planting may result in damage to the root ball. Plant fruit trees at their original soil level and firm them into the ground. Fasten the tree to the stake using a tree tie, and water well. Alternatively plant dwarf trees in a large tub, minimum 60cm diameter, using John Innes no.3 compost. Pears will produce the best crops when planted near to another pear tree to increase pollination.
