Apple Ballerina Bolero
Malus domestica Ballerina Bolero is a compact, columnar apple tree ideal for small gardens, patios, and container growing. It produces crisp, sweet, mid-sized green apples with a slight blush, ripening in mid- to late Autumn. The fruit is excellent for fresh eating and juicing, and the tree itself is virtually branchless, making it easy to maintain and harvest.
Perfect for urban gardens, courtyards, and narrow spaces where a full-sized tree won’t fit, Bolero also adds vertical interest to edible landscapes.
Plant in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil and moderate moisture. Self-fertile, but planting with another Ballerina variety or compatible apple can improve yield.
Mature size: Grows upright to around 3 metres tall and just 60–80 cm wide, maintaining a narrow, columnar habit without pruning.
Trimming: Minimal pruning is needed due to its columnar growth habit. In late winter, remove any dead, damaged, or congested spurs, and thin out overcrowded side shoots to maintain airflow. Avoid heavy pruning that alters its upright structure.
Deadheading: Not applicable for apple trees.
Fertilising: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring. Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted manure around the base—keeping it clear of the trunk—to retain moisture and enrich the soil.
Watering: Water regularly during the establishment phase and throughout dry periods, especially during flowering and fruit development. Ensure good drainage to prevent root issues, particularly in containers.
Pest Control: Monitor for aphids, codling moth, and apple sawfly. Use pheromone traps to track moths and treat aphids with insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed. Maintain cleanliness around the base of the tree to reduce pest habitats.
Disease Management: 'Bolero' has good resistance to apple scab but may still be affected by powdery mildew or canker. Look for signs like white patches on shoots or sunken bark lesions. Prune to improve airflow, remove infected material, and use fungicides if symptoms persist. Clean up fallen leaves and fruit to reduce reinfection risk.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
