Discover Arbor Garden Centre and Nursery's Beautiful Plants

The  Barnsby Apple Tree was discovered during the 1999–2000 growing season in Pemberton, Western Australia. It is noted for its exceptional colour and early maturity, compared to Cripps Pink. 

Pollination: Apple trees are not self-fertile. Plant two or more apple trees of different varieties within 15-30 meters (50-100 ft) to ensure the flowers are pollinated and develop fruit.  

Flowers blossom: Mid spring

Fruit ripens: September

Fruit: Medium-sized, pink-colored with yellow-green undertones, retaining the signature crisp, white flesh.

Usage: Excellent for fresh eating, cooking, and storage. Barnsby apples stay fresh and white longer after they're cut open.

Tree Characteristics: Moderate vigour, producing high-quality fruit that can be eaten directly off the tree.

Hardiness zones: 5-9

Light requirements: Full sun

Soil requirements: Well-drained loam with a pH of 6.0 - 7.0

Average Height: 3.6 - 5.4 m (12 - 18 ft )

Maximum Height: Up to 6 m (20 ft)

Spread: 1.75 - 2 m (5.7 - 6.5 ft )

Growth Habit: Upright and generally, compact/medium-sized.

Growth Rate: Moderate. 

Ontario native status: Introduced

Best Ontario native plants to grow around apple trees:

• Ground Cover (Shade Tolerant):
  • Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana): Excellent ground cover that acts as a living mulch, attracts bees, and produces small edible fruits.
  • Blue Violet (Viola sororia): A low-growing, shade-tolerant plant that thrives under the canopy.
  • Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis): A native ground cover that handles shade and helps suppress weeds.
• Pest Repellents & Attractors (Beneficial Insects):
  • Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum): A native allium that repels pests (like aphids) and attracts beneficial insects with its strong scent.
  • Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Attracts beneficial insects that feed on pests.
  • Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.): Excellent for attracting pollinators and beneficial predatory wasps.
  • New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis): High-value pollinator plant.
• Soil Improvers & Habitat:
  • Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): Good for shade and beneficial insects.
  • Lupines (Lupinus perennis): Fixes nitrogen in the soil to feed the apple tree. 
  • Other Tips for Apple Tree Guilds:
• Spring Bulbs: Plant daffodils around the drip line to deter deer, rabbits, and voles.
• Chop-and-Drop: Use native plants like comfrey (non-native, but excellent) or goldenrod (native) to cut and lay down as mulch to build topsoil.
• Spacing: Place plants near the drip line (outer edge of branches) to minimize competition with the tree's roots, especially for young trees.