Please scroll down for the catalogue, but please be sure to read the below carefully first!

Please contact Phil at philknott@hotmail.com and 07789966159 for your order. Instagram and Facebook too, search Drumfearn Trees and note the logo. You are welcome to visit the croft to view trees by prior appointment.

Please note that some varieties have very limited availability and are available on a first come first served basis. The number and range of varieties will increase year on year. Many of these varieties have not been grown anywhere in Scotland before, let alone on the north and west coast and therefore it can be hard to assess correct pollination and picking times. Several gardeners and crofters are on the list for trialling new varieties that have been selected for suitability for our region, please contact Phil if you are keen to help these field trials. Very limited numbers of trial varieties are available each year.

Grafting requests

Phil can graft to order for specific varieties or unknown favourites. This is a lengthy process, so for delivery autumn/winter 2026, orders need to be in by late December 2025. Specific requests are £30 each, and for cloning old or favourite trees, we will need healthy wood to clone from. Phil will collect or instruct you how to collect appropriate material for cloning.

Delivery

Trees come in 4.5l pots and are relatively bulky and awkward. Local collection and delivery is free. We will not post or use couriers for our trees.

Larger orders from other corners of Scotland will be personally arranged and delivered by Phil for a fee, or may be free if he is going that direction!

Size and age of trees

At Drumfearn Trees we believe the best way to establish fruit trees in challenging environments is to establish young trees that have been grown outside in the same climate, and without the use of artificial inputs. Depending on the variety, rootstock and graft point, the trees vary from 80cm to 1.6m. They are all one year whips that are suitable for training in anyway, providing the right rootstock and varieties are selected. They come unpruned and ready to plant. We do not sell larger two or three year old trees.

Chemical Usage

We do not use any artificial chemicals at Drumfearn Trees. No pesticides or fungicides are used, and the only fertiliser we use is a homemade blend of compost teas, utilising nutrient rich inputs such as Nettle, Comfrey and locally collected seaweed. The trees are grown in 100% organically certified compost.

Rootstocks

At Drumfearn trees we use seven rootstocks for our grafts. The rootstocks possess certain characteristics that are desirable, including disease resistance, tolerance to different soil conditions and most importantly, ultimate size and speed of fruiting. The variety of fruit grafted on also makes a difference to the ultimate size too, a Bramley apple for example is very vigorous, while a Cox is much smaller.

Modern commercial fruit is usually grown on dwarf rootstock that is short-lived and quick to fruit. These rootstock are often heavily dependent on inputs such as sprays and fertilisers and require a good soil. They are not recommended for outside growing on the West of Scotland. At Drumfearn Trees we produce trees that are hardy and can withstand our tougher conditions.

The vast majority of our Pear, Quince and Medlar are on Quince A, which produces a sturdy tree that would stand around 3-4m at 10 years old, depending on site conditions. It is broadly similar in size to MM106 and MM116 in apples and allows trees to be spaced at the same distances of around 3-4m between the trees, or 1.5 – 2m if in rows or cordons.

The only Pears not on Quince A are the older, heritage varieties of pears, including any perry pears. They are on Pyrus communis (Wild Pear) rootstock. These varieties tend not to be compatible with Quince A rootstock. These invariably produce long-lived and much larger trees that will be slower to fruit.

The bulk of our apple trees are on MM106 and MM116. These are very similar rootstocks, and after 10 years both produce a tree that stands around 3-4m tall, MM116 is slightly smaller than MM106 but the variety of apple also dictates final size and overall vigour. We have a handful of M111 trees that will be larger, more suitable for bigger spaces. These will tend to grow to 4-6m tall and will be slower to fruit, but ultimately produce more fruit for longer.

Pollination

Only varieties clearly listed as self fertile do not need a pollinating partner. All other varieties listed below need to be pollinated by a different variety of the same fruit. Trees would need to be no further than 50m apart. For example, a Katy apple would need another variety (like a Discovery) to successfully pollinate it and produce apples.

The varieties need to overlap in their flowering, but at our latitude with our shorter summer we have found almost all fruit trees are flowering in the late April to mid May period.

A small number of the varieties are triploid, and they do not pollinate other species well, if at all. If you wished to have a Triploid, such as a Bramley apple, or Jargonelle pear, you would need two additional varieties to pollinate the triploid and then each other.

The pollinating partner has no outcome on the colour, shape or flavour of the fruit, only in the genetics contained within the seed!

Wild Pear and Crab Apple can provide excellent pollination, and usually have more profuse flowers for a long time.

Should I stake my tree?

After many years of field trials, we advise staking for just the first few years only, until the tree has a sturdy upright trunk. A totally supported tree does not produce as many anchor roots and becomes totally dependent on the stake, which is difficult to replace when it rots away and can lead to tree failure.

A stake should not be used to brace a tree against extreme winds – if this is the case then likely the site is too exposed. Shelter is vital for fruit trees, with native hedging and shelterbelts the best options.

We can supply a 1.2m stake, appropriate tie and a biodegradable vole guard for £4 per bundle. This is best driven in at 45 degrees in to the ground and tied on to the tree at around 60-70cm above the ground.

Should I use tree guards?

Livestock, deer, rabbits and voles and in some cases poultry and young fruit trees do not mix well and good planning is key here!

Rabbits and Hares often girdle the bark in winter which can prove fatal. If you know you have rabbits, it is important to guard against any bark damage upto 40cm or so (more if snow regularly accumulates on your land). Spiral guards are often rather brittle and leave plastic in the environment, so mesh or chicken wire guards are the most appropriate. Depending on the speed of growth, it may be needed for 5 years or more.

Voles love the bark of fruit trees and also love the fertilised areas around fruit trees. Keeping a generous ring of mulch around a fruit tree helps deter the voles from coming too close, as does keeping grass short. Strimmers kill more fruit trees than voles though so be sure to manually cut or pull around trees if deciding against mulch. We recommend a vole guard for every fruit tree – it only takes one vole a few minutes or so to fatally wound a young tree. A vole guard is a 15-20cm tube that wraps around the bottom of the trunk. We supply biodegradable ones that can be left on – once the tree is a few years old it is not needed any more.

Poultry can be problematic, with geese often liking to peel bark of young trees. Careful observation is needed – do look at how they react to existing trees in the fields first. Poultry are more problematic when it comes to mulching of the trees, hens especially love to scratch mulch away which is not great for the young tree roots. If chicken wire is used to protect the trees, then be sure to hand weed around them and inside the guard. Competitive grasses may do as much harm as poultry! Once the trees are older, poultry can be good for pest control and fertilisation of the ground, providing there aren’t too many!

Livestock and fruit trees can work well – but there are many challenges getting the trees up and away first. If your wish is to graze livestock under fruit trees then we advise you use an M25 or M111 vigorous rootstock for apples. We need advanced orders of these by December at the latest. Robust, long-lived individual tree protection is needed until the trees are up and away. We recommend Cactus Guards or similar for this. Ensure that the fruit trees are not the only trees in the field too, otherwise they will be used as scratching posts and the only source of shelter and shade, which causes soil compaction around the tree root zones.

Deer and young fruit trees do not work well at all. If you know you have deer on your land, then the fruit trees will need protecting to 5ft (Roe) and 6ft+ for Red Deer. Occasional browsing is okay but in most cases the deer will repeatedly come back, which kills, weakens or at best mis-shapes the tree. Plan for it, and consider building a deer proof enclosure for fruit trees or investing in Cactus Guards or something similar. Repeated browsing and snapping significantly weakens the tree and opens it up for disease.

Apple Varieties – A Croft Guide

This guide brings together a collection of apple varieties grown and valued across Britain and beyond, with particular reference to those that thrive in the wet and windy conditions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The apples are arranged by use —  fresh eaters and keepers, cookers, crab apples and cider apples to help you navigate and find the varieties best suited to your needs. Each description gives a sense of the fruit’s character, history, and flavour, together with its best uses in the kitchen or at the table.

While many of these apples are old heritage varieties, others are more modern introductions that have proved reliable in our climate. Scottish Heritage varieties are asterisked.

Eating Apples – Fresh Eaters and Late Keepers

All apples £27 per tree

Adam’s Pearmain – Four on MM116, One on MM106

A classic English dessert apple, Adam’s Pearmain was first recorded in the early 19th century and is believed to have originated around Norfolk. Its distinctive elongated, conical shape and mottled skin set it apart visually. The flesh is firm and fine-textured with a nutty, aromatic flavour that balances sweetness and gentle acidity. Best eaten fresh, it is valued by enthusiasts for its refined, almost pear-like quality. Beautiful pink blossom.

Astrachan Large Fruited – Just one available on MM106

A form of the old Russian apple ‘Red Astrachan’, this variety bears larger fruit than the typical strain. Its crimson skin encloses white, juicy flesh with a refreshing, brisk acidity. Ripening in mid-summer, it is one of the earliest apples, best eaten straight from the tree and it does not keep.

Ballyfatten – Just one available on MM106

An Irish variety originating in County Donegal, Ballyfatten is a dual-purpose apple noted for its bright green fruit and balanced flavour. The flesh is firm and juicy, with a sharp edge when first picked that mellows in storage. Though not widely grown today, it remains valued in collections for its regional character.

D’Arcy Spice – Four available on MM116

This late-ripening apple hails from Tolleshunt D’Arcy in Essex, first recorded in the 1780s. Small and russeted, it develops its true character only after storage, when its firm, greenish flesh reveals a distinctive aromatic quality with a touch of warm spice — a flavour that has enchanted apple connoisseurs for centuries. Best eaten fresh in winter, D’Arcy Spice is a treasured rarity for those who value subtlety over sweetness.

Discovery – Two available on MM106, thirteen available on MM116

A popular early apple, Discovery was raised in Essex in the 1940s. Medium-sized with bright red flushes, it has juicy flesh often tinged pink beneath the skin. Its flavour is refreshing, with a simple sweetness and hints of strawberry. Ready in late August, Discovery is best eaten straight from the tree, as it does not store. Makes a fine juice and apple rings too.

Duke of Devonshire - Three available on MM106, three available on MM116

Raised in Lancashire in the 1830s, this russet variety was named in honour of the Duke of Devonshire. Its golden, russeted skin encloses firm, creamy flesh with a rich, nutty flavour that develops complexity in storage. Though not a large apple, it is prized for dessert use, appealing to those who appreciate the traditional russet character of English orchards.

Emneth Early  - Three available on MM106, four available on MM116

Raised in Cambridgeshire in the 19th century, Emneth Early is an early dessert apple also known as Early Victoria. Its small, brightly coloured fruit has crisp, juicy flesh with a refreshing sharpness. Ripening in August, it was once popular for its reliability, though it is best eaten quickly as it does not keep. Partially self-fertile.

Filippa – Three available on MM116

A Danish apple dating from the 19th century, Filippa is named after the young girl who is said to have raised the first seedling. The fruit is medium-sized, green-yellow with red blushes, and has firm, juicy flesh with a refreshing, aromatic flavour. Equally good for eating or cooking, it is still grown in Scandinavia.

George Cave – One available on MM116

Discovered in Essex in 1923, George Cave is among the earliest apples to ripen in Britain, often ready in late July. Small to medium in size, it bears bright red flushes over yellow skin. The flesh is juicy, tangy, and refreshing, though it softens quickly, making it best enjoyed immediately after harvest. A quintessential early summer apple, which also has the benefit of being self-fertile.

Guldborg – Two available on MM116

A Danish variety, Guldborg ripens early but stores surprisingly well into autumn. The fruit is pale yellow flushed with red, and its flesh is crisp and delicately flavoured. It is versatile, eaten fresh or lightly cooked. A testament to Scandinavian apple breeding, it adapts well to northern climates.

Irish Peach – Seven available on MM116

An old Irish variety dating from the early 19th century, Irish Peach is a small, early-ripening apple. Its creamy-white flesh is crisp, juicy, and full of sprightly, refreshing flavour. Best eaten straight from the tree in July or August, it does not store but is cherished as a harbinger of the apple season.

Karinable – Two available on MM116

A Scandinavian variety, Karinable is noted for its hardiness in cold climates. The fruit is medium-sized with a bright red skin, and the flavour is clean, crisp, and refreshing with a good balance of sweetness and acidity. Best eaten fresh, it remains relatively rare outside Nordic orchards.

Katy – Four available on MM106, twenty five available on MM116, Four available on MM111

A Swedish variety introduced in 1947, Katy (Katja) is a cross between Worcester Pearmain and James Grieve. Bright red and attractive, it produces crisp, juicy fruit with a sweet, refreshing flavour and lively acidity. Katy is particularly popular for its abundant juice, making it excellent for cider as well as for eating fresh in late summer. Seemingly very resistant to canker, making it one of the first names on the list when people ask for recommendations.

Kemp – Four available on MM116

Once widely grown and appreciated in Northern Ireland. Also known as May Bloom. The fruit is medium-sized and round, with one side slightly flattened, yellow-green with an orange-red blush on one side; the flesh is crisp, white, juicy, sweet and well flavoured. Reliable, healthy tree, resistant to scab, and with lovely pink blossom. Good pollinator.

Kerry Pippin – Two available on MM116

An old variety with Irish origins, Kerry Pippin is a small apple of exceptional flavour. Its flesh is crisp, fine-grained, and aromatic, with a rich balance of sweetness and acidity that has earned it a reputation as one of the best-flavoured dessert apples. Though modest in size, its distinctive taste makes it highly prized by connoisseurs and collectors of rare apples.

Kilkenny Pearmain – Three available on MM116

An Irish variety of some antiquity, Kilkenny Pearmain bears small to medium fruit with distinctive pearmain shape. Its flavour is sweet-sharp, with aromatic notes, and it stores well for its size. Valued in traditional orchards, it retains a loyal following. A heritage apple that rewards patient storage.

Lane’s Prince Albert – Four available on MM106, three available on MM116

Discovered in Hertfordshire in the 1840s, this apple serves as both a cooking and dessert variety. Its green fruit, flushed red, has a firm, brisk flesh that stores well into winter. Though sharper than many dessert apples, it mellows in storage, making it versatile. Once widely planted, it remains a useful dual-purpose keeper.

Lass O’ Gowrie* - Two available on MM116

A Scottish variety dating from the 19th century, Lass O’ Gowrie is a small to medium apple with red-striped skin. Its flesh is crisp and juicy, with a sharp flavour when first picked that mellows with time. It was once valued in Highland orchards for its hardiness.

Mutsu (Crispin) – Three available on MM116

Bred in Japan in the 20th century, Mutsu is a large, green-yellow apple of excellent keeping quality. Its flavour is honeyed yet tangy, with firm, juicy flesh. It stores for months, often into spring, and remains crisp and refreshing. A modern keeper, popular worldwide. Triploid, does not pollinate others well.

Norfolk Royal – One available on MM106

An English variety from Norfolk, notable for its large, bright red fruit. The flesh is crisp and sweet, with a refreshing character. It stores well into winter, retaining its visual appeal. A handsome and flavourful apple, deserving of wider planting.

Orleans Reinette – Two available on MM106, Two available on MM116

A French apple of considerable antiquity, Orleans Reinette is regarded as one of the finest flavoured apples. The fruit is golden russet with red flush, the flesh firm and aromatic with a balance of sweetness and acidity. It keeps well, improving with storage. A connoisseur’s apple, celebrated across Europe.

Pederstrup - Two available on MM116

A Danish variety raised in the 19th century, Pederstrup is a dessert apple with medium-sized fruit. The skin is flushed red over yellow, and the flesh is juicy and sweet with a mild aroma. Once valued in Danish commercial orchards.

Peter Lock – Just one available on MM106

A traditional English apple from Devon. The fruit is medium-sized, with green skin and a red flush, its flavour pleasantly sweet-sharp. It stores moderately well, extending use into late autumn.

Ranger – One available on MM106

A Canadian eating apple, released in Ottawa in 1964. A very hardy northern species that needs more trialling in Scotland.

Rosemary Russet – Two available on MM106, Two available on MM116

An old English russet apple, Rosemary Russet is medium-sized with a firm, dense texture. Its flavour is rich, aromatic, and nutty, highly regarded among russets. It stores well into winter, developing greater depth over time. A true heritage dessert apple, with stunning pink blossom.

Ross Nonpareil – One available on MM106, One available on MM116

First raised in Herefordshire in the late 18th century, Ross Nonpareil is a russeted apple of exceptional flavour. Its fruit is medium-sized, with a sweet yet tangy taste, highly aromatic. It keeps well into winter, improving with time. A connoisseur’s choice, still admired for its character.

Sam Young – One available on MM106, Two available on MM116

An Irish variety dating from the 19th century, Sam Young is a dessert apple of medium size with greenish-yellow skin flushed red. Its flesh is crisp and juicy, with a rich, aromatic flavour. Though little known today, it was once well regarded in Ireland.

Scarlet Crofton – One available on MM106

An Irish variety of great beauty, Scarlet Crofton bears brightly marbled red and orange skin. Its flavour is lively and refreshing, with a good balance of sweetness and acidity. It stores moderately well, offering fresh eating into winter.

St Edmunds Russet – Three available on MM116

A russetted dessert apple raised in the 19th century. Its fruit is small to medium, with rich, aromatic flesh and a sweet, nutty flavour. It stores moderately well, developing complexity after picking. A much-admired russet, valued for flavour. Partially self-fertile.

Vitgylling - Just one on MM106

An early yellow-fleshed heritage apple from Sweden. Crisp and acidic. Dual purpose but not a keeper.

Wagener – Four available on MM116, One available on MM106

An American variety first recorded in New York State in the late 18th century. The fruit is medium-sized, red-striped, with a sweet, vinous flavour. It stores well into winter, retaining its juicy texture. Though less widely grown today, it was once an important orchard apple. Partially self-fertile.

Winston – One available on MM106, three available on MM116

Raised in Berkshire in the early 20th century, Winston is a late keeper of great quality. The fruit is small to medium, red-flushed, with firm, sweet flesh. It stores exceptionally well, often into April, and retains flavour. A practical and delicious choice for the long winter months. Partially self-fertile.

Worcester Pearmain – Five available on MM116, one available on MM106

Raised in Worcester in the late 19th century, Worcester Pearmain is a classic English eater. The fruit is bright red, strawberry-flavoured, and juicy, with immediate appeal. Though best eaten fresh, it can keep a short time. Still widely grown, it has long been a favourite among early dessert apples and thrives in Drumfearn. Partially self-fertile.

Cookers

All apples £27 per tree

Arthur Turner – Two available on MM116

Bred by Charles Turner of Berkshire in 1912, Arthur Turner is a vigorous and upright cooking apple producing large, handsome fruit with pale green skin flushed red. Its flesh is sharp but aromatic, holding its shape well when baked and making excellent pies and tarts. Hardy and reliable. Winner of an RHS order of merit for its blossom. Partially self-fertile.

Bradley’s Beauty – Two available on MM106, Six available on MM116

A promising wildling found in challenging hill conditions in Cumbria. A tree that is tough as old boots, with abundant cooking apples that keep from October to Christmas.

Bramley – Nine available on MM106, three available on MM116, Four available on MM111

Britain’s most famous cooking apple, Bramley originated in Nottinghamshire in the early 19th century when a tree grew from seed in Mary Ann Brailsford’s garden. Renowned for its sharp acidity and large size, it cooks down to a light, fluffy purée, making it the unrivalled choice for pies, crumbles, and sauces. Though too tart for most palates when eaten raw, its robust flavour mellows beautifully when cooked. This is a vigorous tree, regardless of rootstock and thrives up here. A triploid variety, this will not pollinate other varieties well.

Greasy Pippin – One available on MM106

A useful dual-purpose apple, an Irish heritage variety. The fruit is round, flattened and slightly uneven, pale yellow with a golden to orange blush and a very ‘greasy’ skin, which helps it keep for longer. The flesh is creamy-white, firm and crisp and is moderately juicy. The fruit sweetens in store, and is an all round good cooker.

Grenadier – Two available on MM106, three available on MM116

First recorded in the mid-19th century, Grenadier is a cooking apple popular for its reliability and heavy crops. Its pale green skin and flattened shape conceal tender, sharp-tasting flesh that breaks down quickly when cooked, producing an excellent purée. Though not a dessert apple, its simplicity and dependable performance in the kitchen have made it a traditional favourite for pies and jams. Partially self-fertile.

Keswick Codlin – Fourteen on MM116, Four available on MM111

Originating in the Lake District in the late 18th century, Keswick Codlin is one of the earliest-ripening cooking apples. Its pale green fruit is soft and juicy, with a brisk acidity that mellows when cooked. Particularly valued in the 19th century for home orchards, it makes a light, fluffy purée and remains a fine choice for pies and sauces in early summer. Seems to thrive in the north and west. Partially self fertile.

Lord Derby – Four available on MM106, three available on MM116

A Victorian cooking apple first recorded in 1862, Lord Derby is known for its large, green fruit that retains shape when cooked. Less sharp than Bramley, it produces slices with a mild, balanced flavour, making it excellent for tarts and baked dishes. Its hardy, vigorous trees made it a popular choice in northern orchards. Partially self-fertile.

Newton Wonder – Three available on MM116, Four on MM111, Two on MM106

Discovered in Derbyshire in the 19th century, Newton Wonder is a large, red-flushed apple with sharp but balanced flavour. Though mainly valued as a cooker, it sweetens in storage and can be eaten fresh later in the season. It stores well, improving in flavour over time. Partially self-fertile, it remains widely grown for its reliability.

Rev W Wilkes – Three available on MM106, Four available on MM116

An English cooker that can serve also as a fresh eater early in the season. Though not a true long keeper, it provides fresh apples when many others are scarce. Its flavour is sharp but pleasant. A useful bridge variety in the orchard. Partially self-fertile.

Scotch Bridget* – Two available on MM106, Two available on MM116

A Scottish cooking apple originating in the 19th century, Scotch Bridget produces large, attractive fruit with broad red stripes. The flesh is firm and cream-coloured, breaking down into a soft, pleasantly flavoured purée when cooked. Less sharp than many cookers, it is valued for its gentle flavour and distinctive appearance.

Warners King – One available on MM106

First recorded in the early 19th century in Herefordshire, Warners King is a large cooking apple with green skin flushed red. Its flesh is juicy and tart, breaking down when cooked into a well-flavoured purée. It was once valued as an exhibition variety for its impressive size. A very long-lived example on Tanera Mor, in the Summer Isles points to it being hardy and disease resistant. Triploid, meaning it is not a good pollinator of others.

Cider

Browns – One available on MM106, Five available on MM116

An old English cider apple, Browns is noted for its high juice content and sharp, clean flavour. Its medium-sized fruit produces a light, fruity cider with excellent balance, making it one of the most important cider apples still in use today. Though not intended for dessert use, it has a proud place in traditional orchards.

Eight Square – Just one available on MM106

An old Irish apple, Eight Square is notable for its flattened, angular shape. The fruit is medium to large, greenish-yellow with red flushes, and has sharp, juicy flesh. Traditionally used for cooking and cider, it has a strong local reputation though it remains rare outside Ireland.

Katy – See above

Listed above under the eaters – it is grown commercially for cider in England.

Crab Apples

All sold out! Please get requests in early for 2026.

Pears - £30 each

All on Quince A, typically 85 - 120cm one year plants.

Fondante d’Automne - Two Available - not self fertile, needs another variety for pollination

A juicy and aromatic pear that is originally a French heirloom variety. This doesn’t store well - it is to be enjoyed not long after picking in September. It does hold its shape well when poaching too.

Quince £30 each

All sold out! Please get requests in early for 2026.

Medlar £30 each

All sold out! Please get requests in early for 2026

Plums, Damsons and Gages £30

All sold out! Please get requests in early for 2026.

Please contact Phil at philknott@hotmail.com and 07789966159 for your order. Instagram and Facebook too, search Drumfearn Trees and note the logo. You are welcome to visit the croft to view trees by prior appointment.