Columnar Apple Tree Rhapsodie - Malus domestica

The  'Rhapsodie'® Columnar Apple Tree is a space-saving and decorative variety. This apple tree is suitable for orchards, small gardens, or even terraces as it thrives in containers. 'Rhapsodie' fruits are yellow and orange in colour, and the juicy and crunchy flesh is in a good balance between acidity and sweetness. Harvesting takes place from the end of September.

The apple tree is a native tree in Europe, particularly in France where its presence has been documented since ancient times. Columnar apple trees are selected for their vertical growth; they are reduced to their trunk alone, without any scaffold branches. This unique silhouette makes them perfect for small spaces, whether in the ground or in containers or large pots. They are also highly decorative and create a distinctive ambiance with their architectural appearance. Additionally, in spring, they produce long bouquets of flowers. Another advantage of these remarkable fruit trees is that they do not require pruning. The 'Rhapsodie' Columnar Apple Tree is an improvement on earlier varieties, as it is resistant to the most common forms of apple scab.

Abundant flowering occurs between March and April, and it is not affected by spring frosts. The tree itself is completely hardy. Being self-sterile like many other apple trees, 'Rhapsodie'® requires the presence of another variety nearby for pollination. If you lack space and your neighbours do not have an apple tree, choose another columnar cultivar like 'Rondo'® or Ballerina® 'Maypole', for example, but a regular apple tree such as 'Reine des Reinettes' will be perfect. Harvesting takes place at the very end of September and can extend into October. The fruits do not store well, but they can be kept until December if you find a suitable place for them: a cool, airy room where you can store them on shelves or in crates.

'Rhapsodie' apples are yellow and turn reddish-orange as they ripen. They are a good eating apple, being crisp and juicy. The flavour is both slightly acidic and adequately sweet. Versatile, it can also be cooked for compotes and pies.