Spring 2024
Keepers NurseryThe UK's largest range of Fruit Trees
Tel. 01622 326465

Duchess of Oldenburg

An old Russian apple still grown and popular in Russia. A pretty with a striking pattern of red lines.

Origin: Russia, 1700

Pollination: Duchess of Oldenburg is self-sterile and would require a pollinator to produce a crop.  Pollination partners

Duchess of Oldenburg apple trees produced to order

Closing date for custom graft orders: 14 Jul 2024

We do not stock this variety, but we can produce custom-graft trees for you. Trees can be grafted on any of the following rootstocks:

FormRootstockPriceQuantity
MaidenM9Dwarfing £39.00
MaidenM26Semi-dwarfing £39.00
MaidenMM106Semi-vigorous £39.00
MaidenMM111Vigorous £39.00
MaidenM25Very vigorous £39.00

Custom graft trees would be supplied in December 2025. More details of our custom grafting service here.

History and description of Duchess of Oldenburg

Known in Russia as Borovinka in the early 1700’s and spread to Germany and Sweden. Sent to England c1817 and renamed. A popular Victorian garden apple, also grown commercially. Still grown all over the former USSR and Northern Europe where it is known as Charlamowsky.

Attractive large fruit. Oblong, rounded shape, distinctly flattened at base and apex. Rounded ribs. Boldly striped and mottled bright red over a pale green background, becoming pale yellow. Slight bloom. Cream flesh, soft, juicy and brisk. A dual-purpose apple cooking to a light puree. Very hardy tree.

Characteristics of Duchess of Oldenburg apple trees

UseDual Cul & Des
ColourFlushed
FlavourSharp
Fruit sizeMedium
Picking timeMid Aug
Season of useAug-Sept
Tree vigourModerate
Tree habitUpright-spreading
Fruit-bearingSpur-bearer
CroppingGood
Disease resistanceScab - Resistant
Suitable forHardy
Late Frost
Northern Britain
Pollination date4
Pollination groupB
Self-fertilitySelf-sterile
PollinatorsPollination partners