Autumn 2024Order now for delivery from week commencing 14th October for pot grown trees or December for bare-root or mixed tree orders.
Orange Pippin Trees UK logo

Pendragon apple trees

Malus domestica
Check pollinators >
  • Picking season: Early
  • Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
  • Flowering group: 6

Pendragon is a dual-purpose apple, notable for its red flesh.

The blossom is also very attractive - it is dark red rather than the pale pink of most apples, and can rival any pink-blossom crab-apple.

The flavour for eating fresh is described by Nigel Deacon, a leading expert on red-fleshed apples, as "reasonably acceptable". It can also be used in the kitchen, and for adding colour to cider blends.

As with many red-fleshed apples, Pendragon contains natural anthcyanin pigments, which are considered to have beneficial health properties.

Pendragon apple trees for sale

Bare-root

  • BR11-year bare-root tree MM106 rootstock £34.95
    Large tree (3m-5m after 10 years)
    Out of stock
    Please try next season
Need help? Ask our fruit tree experts

Call us on 01759 392007 or fill in our contact form.

Delivery charges

Delivery for a single tree starts at £9.95, it is calculated based on your postcode.

Fruit tree delivery to EuropeEU delivery
This variety is also available for delivery to Europe. Contact us for details.

Growing and Training

Pendragon flowers quite late in the blossom season, but ripens relatively early.

As might be expected from a Cornish variety, Pendragon appears to be very resistant to fungal infections and is a good choice for areas with mild damp climates, as wll as organic or (better) "no spray" regimes.

History

Pendragon was discovered by James Evans in 1982 as a seedling tree growing in Cornwall. Its origins are unknown but the fact that the red pigmentation is found not only in the skin and flesh, but also in the blossom, leaves, and wood, suggests a relationship with Malus niedzwetzkyana.


Pendragon characteristics

Growing

  • Gardening skillAverage
  • Self-fertilityNot self-fertile
  • Flowering group6
  • Pollinating othersPoor
  • Fruit bearingSpur-bearer
  • Climate suitabilityTemperate climatesMild damp climates

Using

  • Picking seasonEarly
  • CroppingGood
  • Keeping (of fruit)2-3 weeks
  • Food usesEating freshCulinaryJuiceDual purpose

Problems

  • Disease resistanceGood
  • CankerVery resistant
  • Scab (Apple and Pear)Very resistant

Identification

  • Country of originUnited Kingdom
  • Period of origin1950 - 1999
  • Blossom colourPink - dark
  • Fruit colourRedRed - dark
  • Flesh colourPink / Red

Similar varieties

  • See also Hidden Rose
    Hidden Rose
    Hidden Rose is named for the unexpected pink flesh hidden behind the plain green skin.
  • See also Tickled Pink
    Tickled Pink
    A new red-fleshed apple variety, with attractive crimson blossom, also known as Baya® Marisa.

British-grown trees Trees grown in the UK.

Unlike many garden centres and online retailers, the vast majority of our fruit trees are grown in the UK. Find out more.

In addition, all our trees are certified under the Plant Healthy scheme, supervised by the Plant Health Alliance. Other stakeholders include Defra and the RHS. The scheme aims to improve UK biosecurity by setting standards for all growers and retailers involved in selling plants in the UK. Find out more
Planth Healthy scheme logo

Guaranteed fruit trees

When you buy your fruit tree from Orange Pippin Fruit Trees we guarantee it for the first season in your garden whilst it gets established. If it doesn't grow successfully, we'll either replace it the following season or offer a refund - subject to some conditions. Find out more.

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2023.