Columnar Apple Tree Azay-Le-Rideau - Malus domestica

The rapid fruiting of Malus domestica Azay-Le-Rideau delwibo allows for harvesting from the first few years. The columnar habit and elegant silhouette of this variety are well suited to gardens with limited space, container cultivation on balconies or terraces, or the creation of a small fruit hedge. It is a hardy variety with strong and regular production. The Azay-Le-Rideau apple is delicious, with a round shape and medium to large size, smooth skin, red on a bronze green background, with few visible lenticels at ripeness. Its crisp, white, firm flesh is very juicy, sweet, and aromatic. From late September the fruits can be consumed immediately after harvesting and can be stored until November. With a high sugar content, it is a very pleasant apple to bite into. Excellent in pies, compotes, or sautéed, the Azay-Le-Rideau apple is also highly regarded in savoury recipes. It is a partially self-fertile variety, productive, and highly resistant to scab and mildew.

Malus domestica, scientifically known as Malus communis or Malus pumila, is the Common or Domestic Apple Tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. Present in Europe since antiquity, it is a fruit tree native to the forests of Central Asia. It has excellent hardiness and is undoubtedly the most cultivated fruit tree in Northern Europe. There are approximately 20,000 varieties, including around 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin, and 2,000 of Chinese origin. Malus domestica Azay-Le-Rideau® 'delwibo' is a recent creation from the Georges Delbard nursery in France.

Elegant, the Azay-Le-Rideau Apple Tree is a small tree with a columnar and compact habit that reaches a height of 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) and a width of approximately 50 to 70cm (20 to 28in) at maturity. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves, greenish-brown on the upper side and whitish-green on the lower side, with deeply dentate margins. The white flowering occurs in April-May, which generally protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by temperatures below -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). The columnar Azay-Le-Rideau delwibo Apple Tree is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures around -30°C (-22°F) and is suitable for cultivation in most regions. It is a partially self-fertile variety (diploid), but the presence of other apple tree varieties nearby will improve pollination and therefore production. Columnar Apple Tree varieties such as Amboise, Ballerina Polka, Ballerina Maypole, Ballerina Valse, Cheverny, Chenonceau, Chinon, Courson, Pomfital, Rhapsodie, Sonate, Vaux Le Vicomte, Versailles, and Villandry are suitable for cross-pollination. The Reine des Reinettes Apple Tree can also fulfill this function. Ornamental apple trees, such as Perpetu Evereste and John Downie, flower abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The Azay-Le-Rideau Apple Tree bears a homogeneous and abundant fruiting, which begins in late September and extends until October. The apple can be consumed both raw and cooked, in compotes, pastries, in combination with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, such as with black pudding, pork, or in salads. Easy to eat, the apple provides a great feeling of satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, it is invigorating, energising, and rehydrating. Its content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre makes the apple a health asset. The fruits can be stored until November. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature around 8 to 10°C (46.4 to 50°F) or in a cold room, airtight from outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C (33.8 to 37.4°F). The apple releases ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To accelerate the ripening of your other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them.

Very popular thanks to its fruit, the apple tree finds its place in the garden for the pleasure of young and old alike. Among a wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits your tastes.