Semi Dwarf Apple Tree – ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’

Fruit Type: Apple
Botanical Name: Malus domestica ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’
Fruit Colour: Golden yellow with orange-red flush and striping
Growth Habit: Semi dwarf deciduous fruit tree grafted onto slow-growing rootstock
Final Height: Approx. 2–3 m
Expected Yield: Approx. 20–40 kg per season once mature
Exposure: Full sun
Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil
Pollination: Not self-fertile; compatible pollinators include James Grieve, Golden Delicious, Elstar, or Jonathan
Hardiness: Hardy to approx. −25°C; blossoms may be sensitive to late spring frost

‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’ is a historic English apple cultivar first grown in the early nineteenth century in Buckinghamshire, England. It was discovered by the horticulturist Richard Cox and later became one of the most celebrated dessert apples in Europe.

This variety produces medium-sized apples with a golden-yellow base colour covered with orange-red flushes and fine striping. The flesh is yellowish-white, crisp, juicy, and very aromatic. The flavour is well balanced, combining sweetness with refreshing acidity and complex fruity notes.

Harvest typically takes place from mid-September into October depending on seasonal conditions. Under suitable storage conditions the fruit can be kept for several weeks and may develop a softer, sweeter flavour during storage.

This apple grows as a semi dwarf fruit tree, remaining more manageable than traditional full-sized orchard apples while still producing generous harvests. The controlled size is achieved through grafting onto a slow-growing rootstock, a method widely used in professional orchards to regulate tree height and support reliable fruit production.

In spring the tree produces abundant white blossoms tinged with pink that attract bees and other pollinators, supporting fruit set and adding ornamental value to the garden.

Apples thrive in sunny positions with fertile, well-drained soil. A warm, open location with good air circulation helps support healthy growth and consistent fruit development.

We select our fruit trees with winter hardiness in mind, ensuring suitability for reliable outdoor cultivation in our climate.

With proper care and placement, ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’ becomes a productive and long-lived fruit tree, rewarding gardeners with aromatic apples widely regarded as one of the finest dessert varieties ever bred.

All trees are sold and delivered as 1-2 year old trees, similar to those supplied to commercial orchards, in jute bags filled with rich Dutch soil, depending on availability and variety.