Malus domestica 'Tuscan' 'BOLERO' columnar apple - medium early
Symbivit Tric (arbuscular)
Symbivit (arbuscular)Malus
Columnar apple trees form a distinctive branch in the long history of Malus domestica, which began when wild apples from the Caucasus and Central Asia gradually spread into Europe and became one of the most widely grown fruit trees of the temperate zone. The modern columnar form, however, originated only in the 1960s as a spontaneous bud mutation on the cultivar McIntosh, later named McIntosh Wijcik. The tree developed a strong upright leader, extremely short internodes and, instead of long lateral branches, produced dense fruiting brachyblasts (short, stubby shoots bearing flower buds) – a feature that immediately attracted the attention of breeders. Since columnar apples are naturally rather compact in habit, they are often grafted onto more vigorous rootstocks such as MM106 or MM111 to improve growth, although this is not essential.
The genetic basis of this growth form is linked to the dominant Co gene, located on chromosome 10. Later molecular analyses showed that the columnar habit is associated with the insertion of a Ty3/Gypsy-type retrotransposon into a non-coding region of the genome, present in all columnar cultivars and absent in standard forms. This insertion alters the expression of growth-related genes, particularly those regulating auxin transport, gibberellin levels and strigolactone production, leading to the suppression of lateral branching and the promotion of short fruiting shoots. The Co gene is inherited dominantly, and its presence can be traced throughout the entire lineage of columnar cultivars, from the original Wijcik to modern selections intended for intensive orchards as well as small gardens.
Bolero is an attractive columnar apple cultivar producing medium‑sized fruits, round to slightly conical in shape, with a greenish‑yellow skin that turns to deep yellow at maturity and often carries a delicate red blush. The flesh is pale, crisp, and very juicy, with a pleasantly sweet flavor balanced by a gentle acidity, reminiscent of the cultivar ‘James Grieve’. Eating maturity begins in October; the fruits are harvested from mid‑September and can be stored until December. The most common rootstocks are MM106 or M7, which provide balanced growth and reliable cropping, while the more vigorous MM111 is used for longer‑lived trees.
The cultivar originated in England, bred in 1976 at the East Malling Research Station in Kent as a cross between the ‘Wijcik McIntosh’ mutation and ‘Greensleeves’. It belongs to the renowned Ballerina® series, which gave rise to an entire group of columnar apples. The variety is protected by Plant Breeders’ Rights (EU PBR No. 0230/1995). The tree grows slowly to moderately, naturally maintaining a columnar form, reaching about 2.5 to 3 meters in height and only 30–50 cm in width, making it ideal for small gardens, narrow borders, or containers. It flowers in the mid‑season and is self‑sterile, requiring suitable pollinators. The best partners are other cultivars from the Ballerina® series or traditional apples flowering at the same time, such as ‘Golden Delicious’ or ‘James Grieve’. The cultivar shows good resistance to scab and powdery mildew and does not require chemical protection.
Last update: 08-02-2023; 23-10-2025
Columnar apples can also be grown in containers, provided the container is large enough and offers excellent drainage. A minimum volume of 40–60 litres is recommended, ideally a ceramic or wooden pot that does not overheat. The substrate must be airy, fertile and consistently slightly moist, as roots in containers dry out more quickly – especially in winter, which is the most dangerous period for apples. In hot summers, regular watering is essential, often every other day, along with twice-yearly feeding – organic fertiliser in spring and a light dose of potassium in summer to support wood ripening. The container should be placed in a sheltered spot to prevent the tree from toppling in strong winds. Wintering is reliable as long as the root ball does not freeze too deeply; placing the pot on an insulating layer (wood, polystyrene) and wrapping it with jute or spruce branches helps stabilise temperature. Container growing works best with trees on medium-vigour rootstocks (MM106, MM111), which tolerate restricted root space better. Under these conditions, container cultivation is long-term sustainable, typically for 8–12 years.
They also grow reliably in almost any non-waterlogged soil, but for the best growth and fruiting they prefer deep, fertile ground that retains moisture without becoming heavy. After planting they require regular watering, especially during the first two years and during fruit development; later they cope well with short dry periods. They fruit mainly on horizontally oriented wood, but their columnar habit naturally produces short lateral fruiting spurs, so pruning is minimal – remove only damaged or crossing shoots and always preserve the leader, which determines the height of the tree. Regular pruning is NOT recommended, as it can lead to overcrowding and the formation of vigorous, unproductive shoots. Growth is moderate, and the tree responds well to compost or a spring dose of organic fertiliser. Rootstocks such as MM106 or MM111 provide stable growth and good vitality even in poorer soils. Hardiness is around –30 °C (USDA zone 5)
