Victorian author Robert Hogg recounts details he received about the origins of this variety from the original grower, John Perkins, Lord Henniker's gardener, who raised it from seed in the 1840s. It is a useful technique for anyone wishing to raise their own apple variety.
He started by planting "several bushels of apple pips", which were a waste product from cider production. The most promising seedlings were selected and the rest removed, and this process was repeated for several years, until only the best varieties remained.
Although well-regarded in Victorian times for its heavy-cropping and reliability, it is no longer widely-grown.
Lady Henniker apple identification images
All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.
USDA identification images for Lady Henniker
The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.
Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.
Visitor reviews
- 26 Aug 2020 LINCOLNSHIRE, United KingdomThe tree was well established when we moved into our house over 25 years ago. I think it must be at least 100 years old now. Every year, it seems to have produced a bigger crop, far more than we can deal with. Unfortunately, a recent storm has brought down one of its branches and I have noticed a deep rotten furrow near the base of one of its two main branches. I fear it is coming to the end of its life.
- 03 Oct 2019 WEST MIDLANDS, United KingdomI share this enthusiasm for Lady Henniker. Crops very well with large Apples, which could lead you to consider it for dual purpose. It certainly cooks down to a fine froth, but is so tasty fresh that I prefer to eat it that way. A fine sweet and sharp eater - highly recommended.
- 13 Oct 2016 NP26 5PQ, United KingdomWe have 2 trees that were clearly old when we moved into our house in 1980. They are prolific, reliable, robust and keep well. The best apple we have ever tasted - can't understand why they aren't more popular and widely available.
Tree register
United Kingdom
- Reach Community Orchard in Cambridge,
- Reach Community Orchard in Cambridge,
- Hannah in Minsterley, SHROPSHIRE
- Joe Mccann in Walsham Le Willows, Bury St Edmunds, SUFFOLK
- John Adams in Alvechurch, WEST MIDLANDS
- Jude Ilett in Peasenhall, SUFFOLK
- Mary Fielding in LEDBURY, HEREFORDSHIRE
- Nick Burrows in Helmsley, NORTH YORKSHIRE
- Pamela in Bressingham, NORFOLK
- Tamar Irvine in East Harling, NORFOLK
Harvest records for this variety
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Parentage: Raised from a pip, unknown parentage
- Originates from: Eye, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom
- Introduced: 1840s
- Developed by: John Perkins, gardener to Lord Henniker, Thornham Hall
- UK National Fruit Collection accession: 2000-056
Identification
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
- Period of origin: 1800 - 1849
- Annual cycle: Deciduous
- Fruit size: Large
Using
- Picking season: Late
- Keeping (of fruit): 3 months or more
- Flavour quality: Good
- Flavour style (apples): Sharper
- Cooking result: Puree
- Juice style: Sharper
- Cropping: Heavy
- Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Culinary
- Food uses: Traditional cooker
- Food uses: Dual purpose
- Picking month: September
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Average
- Flowering group: 4
- Pollinating others: Poor
- Ploidy: Triploid
- Vigour: Vigorous
- Bearing regularity: Regular
- Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
- Organic culture: Suitable
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Climate
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Climate suitability: Mild damp climates
- Cold-hardiness: Cold-hardy
Other qualities
- Disease resistance: Good
- Scab (Apple and Pear): Some resistance
Where to buy trees
The following tree nurseries offer Lady Henniker apple trees for sale:
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (UK) United Kingdom
Lady Henniker apple trees
Where to buy fresh fruit
No orchards have registered as growing this variety. If you grow this and want to register please go to our Orchard Registration form.
References
- Apples of England (1948)
Author: Taylor - The Fruit Manual
Author: Hogg
A first-rate apple. Healthy. A great bearer.