The 'Schöner von Wiltshire' apple variety is also known as 'White Wax Reindeer'. As the name suggests, the apple tree comes from England. In this article you will learn everything you need to know about the Wiltshire apple.
If you are looking for an apple that can withstand the harsh weather, you cannot avoid the 'Beautiful from Wiltshire': The apple variety, which is also known in Germany under the synonym 'White Wax Reinette', is considered to be extremely robust and easy to care for. But does the apple variety also score with its taste? What do you have to consider when growing the 'Schöner von Wiltshire' variety? In our article you will learn everything you need to know about the old apple variety.
Beautiful of Wiltshire: Wanted Poster
| Synonyms | 'White Wax Reinette', 'Wiltshire Handsome' |
| Fruit | medium to large; light yellow color |
| Flavour | juicy, sweet and sour, slightly spicy |
| Yield | high and regular |
| Harvest time | from mid-October |
| Maturity for pleasure | November to December |
| Shelf Life | medium; Can be stored until the end of December |
| Growth | strong at first, later medium strong |
| Climate | undemanding; frost hardy even at high altitudes; suitable for rough situations |
| Diseases and Pests | resistant to apple scab |
Origin and History
As the name suggests, the home of the 'beauties from Wiltshire' is not in Germany, but in England. This is where the apple variety is said to have been cultivated for the first time under the name 'Beauty of Wiltshire' in the county of the same name in south-west England. Around 1800 the 'Lovely of Wiltshire' was raised from seed and later propagated by Mr Standish, who recognized and appreciated the positive qualities of the tree. The first evidence of cultivation of the 'Schöner von Wiltshire' dates back to 1840. Today the cultivar 'Schönervon Wiltshire' most common in southern Germany, particularly Bavaria. Unfortunately, it has become rare overall, which is why it is on the Red List of Threatened Crops.
Characteristics and taste of the 'Schöner von Wiltshire' apple variety
The fruits of the 'Schöner von Wiltshire' cultivar are medium to large in size, conical or flat-topped. The apples are characterized by a waxy, slightly greasy skin and a light yellow color - only rarely does the 'Lovely of Wiltshire' show a finely dotted blush or red streaks on its sunny side. The yellowish-white flesh, which is semi-fine and very juicy, is hidden under the skin. The Schöner von Wiltshire apple is particularly popular because of its taste: its sweet and sour taste with a slight spiciness is what gives the apple its special aroma.
Growing and Caring for the Wiltshire Apple: Here's How
What is striking about the cultivation of the 'Beauty of Wiltshire' is its strong growth, which it exhibits at a young age. Over the years, however, this weakened to medium-strong growth. Nevertheless, 'Schöner von Wiltshire' is almost exclusively suitable for cultivation as a standard or half-stem, but never as a trellis or pot fruit. In old age, the 'lovely one from Wiltshire' presents itself with a high-arched, later slightly hanging crown and is considered to be extremely aesthetic. Its medium-early and long-lasting flowering, which has proven to be surprisingly weather-resistant, makes the 'Lovely of Wiltshire' variety an eye-catcher in the garden.
In addition, thanks to its persistent flowering, the 'Lovely of Wiltshire' is considered a good source of pollen for many others Apple varieties such as 'Gloster' or 'White Clear Apple'. Numerous apple varieties with medium-early flowering are also suitable as pollinators, for example the 'Landsberger Renette' or the apple variety 'Berner Rose'. Even at a young age, the white wax reindeer brings reliably high yields - even with increasing age, the yields of the old apple variety hardly fluctuate if they are not thrown off balance by radical tree pruning.
Both in cultivation and maintenance, 'Lovely of Wiltshire' is no diva. On the contrary: In fact, this apple variety is particularly suitable for harsher areas, because the variety is very frost hardy. This applies in particular if the apple variety is on its own root, i.e. has not been grafted. In high and cold locations, the 'beautiful of Wiltshire' is therefore still very popular.The blossoms of the 'Schöner von Wiltshire' apple variety are also relatively weather-resistant, so that even moderate late frosts often do not particularly damage the yield. In addition, the 'Lovely One from Wiltshire' is extremely robust against apple scab.
In the youth of the tree, however, care must be taken to ensure adequate pruning. Due to its strong growth, the Schöner von Wiltshire apple must be pruned properly so that the growth of the tree is steered in the right direction.
Harvest time and use of the apple variety
The pretty apples of the 'Schöner von Wiltshire' variety are finally ready to pick from mid-October, from November to December the apples finally reach maturity. Like most winter apples, the 'Beauty of Wiltshire' stores well. If stored in a dark and cool place with sufficient ventilation, the apple can be kept until the end of December without any problems. The following applies: the earlier the apples are picked, the longer they can be stored. Thanks to its unique aroma, the 'Belle de Wiltshire' is a good eating apple to enjoy. In addition, it can also be cultivated as an excellent economic apple for cider production.
Would you like to find out more about old apple varieties? In our overview article you will find a variety of tried and tested apple varieties.