We're offering you a Apple Apistar Bare Root Tree for £19.99, saving you up to 43% off Thompson and Morgan's's price of £34.99 (correct as of 27.11.2025).

Star-shaped Fruit

Bring Home a Piece of Orchard History

Malus domestica 'Apistar', also known as the Star Apple, is a rare heritage variety that stands out for its unique, star-shaped fruits. This resilient apple tree brings both visual charm and practical harvests to your garden.

• Striking Fruit: The apples ripen to a lush green with a vibrant red or orange blush where the sun touches them, creating a beautiful display from late summer into autumn.
• Ancient Lineage: With roots tracing back centuries, 'Apistar' is valued for its hardiness and ability to thrive even in challenging conditions.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy fresh star-shaped apples straight from the tree or use them in homemade desserts and preserves.

Growing Guide

• Planting Time: Best planted as a bare root tree from November to March while dormant.
• Location: Prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Ideal for borders, kitchen gardens, or as a feature in lawns.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0). Avoid waterlogged spots.
• Mature Size: Typically reaches 2–3 metres in height and spread after 5–10 years, depending on rootstock.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H6/USDA Zone 5–9).

Caring for Your 'Apistar'

• Watering: Keep well-watered during dry spells in the first year after planting. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and encourage healthy fruiting wood.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fruit tree fertiliser in early spring for best results.

Design & Companion Planting Ideas

• 'Apistar' makes an eye-catching focal point in cottage gardens or traditional orchards.
• Pair with spring bulbs like daffodils or companion fruit trees such as pear or plum for extended interest and pollination benefits.

FAQs

• When is the best time to plant?
  Bare root apple trees should be planted between November and March while dormant.
• How fast does it grow?
  'Apistar' establishes steadily, typically producing fruit within 2–4 years of planting under good conditions.
• What type of soil does it prefer?
  This variety thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0).