Cox orange pippin

[new gardener 1052]

Good morning all..... I have a cox orange pippin tree in my garden, it was the first tree I bought and wish I hadn't bothered I was told the tree should be ok. But to be honest it just ain't working. It always looks like it's just hanging on to life. It did flower but don't think any fruit set this year, it's been in the ground just over a year now and on rootstock MM106.

Leaves look like they have scap and the tree has lost a lot of its leaves over the last few days. I'm thinking of digging it up and replacing it with somthing else.

I read the tree is quite prone to problems I'm worried it could infect my other trees.

[Kirk]

If it is not working then I suggest you think of removing it. I have also read that COP is a poor apple. Actually what I read said that if it were a new variety developed now then it would not be allowed to progress as it is prone to many pest, diseases and problems. As it said it would be "grubbed out".

To get apples COP of any decency the artical said the tree has to be sprayed at something like 2 week intervals for the assorted problems, so hardly a good "organic" option.

There are others that are good but the one I am thinking of - Holstein - you have to get from a bit of a specialist and I got mine grafted at Brogdale. Actually will not claim it is greatly better the COP but I have had no problems with it, just have no looked up the "quality" of the variety.

Cannot suggest anywhere to look as no location for you, saying Brigdale is sort of relevant if you are around Kent, useless elsewhere. Have the idea you are not far from the area I am in, or is it Aberdeen ?

Not that many apple varieties readily available at this time so maybe wait and do some research into varieties and suitability, then buy later. Others I have are Karmijn de Sommeville. Some haved good sounding names but they need long warm summers to reach their potential so be careful.

[WendyC]

I agree with Kirk. Your tree clearly isn't happy and doesn't sound like is going to be. Find a specialist supplier in your area take advice and buy a good quality bareroot tree in the Autumn.

[FB.]

....I read the tree is quite prone to problems I'm worried it could infect my other trees.

Cox's is very prone to problems but it can vary a lot in different areas, soils and climates.
Some years ago I was told by a wise old man that Cox is at its happiest, healthiest and most productive when grown on wild seedling (wild crab) rootstock (extremely vigorous), on an infertile, shallow, dry, chalk soil, and allowed to grow as it pleases, making a big tree that is slow to come into cropping.

The problems that Cox suffers from can eventually spread to other varieties although how quickly it spreads (if at all) depends on the tolerance or resistance of those varieties. Lesser known triploids tend to be the most resistant to diseases.

[yummersetter]

On the other hand, when the tree is good it is the most delicious apple in the world.

[new gardener 1052]

With mixed emotions this evening I removed the tree from my garden, bit sorry to see it go but think it's for the best, got me thinking tho what to plant in its place?

[chrisdb]

It's probably best not to plant another pome fruit (apple, pear, quince, medlar) as they are more susceptible to replant disease if the previous tree was an apple. If you do plant another pome fruit try not to plant it in exactly the same spot and/or dig out and replace the soil.

What about a stone fruit, e.g. a plum?

[new gardener 1052]

Hi chrisdb, I already have a Victoria plum. Don't think I will plant another fruit tree in its place I al ready have another 9 apple trees and 2 cherry trees. Might plant a rose bush but who knows.

[FB.]

If you want to replace with another apple tree, you'll probably find that a more vigorous rootstock (MM111 or M25) will tolerate a MM106 replant spot, but obviously will grow slower than expected (but being more vigorous than MM106 it will probably grow about the same rate as MM106 would in fresh soil).

MM106 is a temperamental rootstock. In areas with plentiful rainfall it can be as large as MM111 but in lower-rainfall areas and/or on light soils it can be as dwarf as M9.
Your location will also affect the most likely pests, diseases and growing conditions your new tree will have to face. Unfortunately I didn't notice you mention whereabouts you are.

[new gardener 1052]

Hi fb I'm in aberdeen scotland,