Rootstocks made simple

Let’s be honest – the word rootstock doesn’t sound very exciting. But if you’re planning to grow fruit trees (even in a small garden or balcony), knowing a bit about rootstocks is actually super helpful. Think of them as the behind-the-scenes magic that decides how big your tree gets, how well it grows, and how easy it is to look after.

At Elmwood Nursery & Garden Centre in Emersons Green, we’ve made it easy to choose the right rootstock for your space and your vibe. Here’s a quick, no-fuss guide to get you started:

Apples

• M27 – Tiny but mighty! Grows to around 1.8m and is perfect for decorative stepovers.
• M9 – Compact and neat (around 2m tall), ideal if you’re planning a cordon.
• M26 – The all-rounder. Grows to about 3m and works great for minarettes, cordons or espaliers.
• MM106 – Want a full-sized apple tree for a bigger garden? This one grows up to 5m and means business.

Pears

• Quince C – The go-to rootstock for pears. Versatile, easygoing and grows to around 5m. It’s usually the only one you’ll need.

Plums & Damsons

• Pixy – A compact rootstock that grows to about 3m. Great for fans and cordons in smaller spaces.
• St Julien 'A' – The most popular for home gardens. A bit more vigorous than Pixy, reaching up to 5m.

Cherries

• Gisela 5 & Tabel – Both dwarfing rootstocks, growing to roughly 2m. Perfect for fan-trained cherry trees.
• Colt – A strong grower that gives you a classic bushy cherry tree, up to about 5m tall.

Still not sure which one’s right for you? No stress – we’ve got you covered.

Come and see us at Elmwood Nursery & Garden Centre in Emersons Green. Our friendly team is always up for a chat and happy to help you figure out the best rootstock for your growing space. Whether you’re dreaming of a dinky apple tree on your balcony or planning a full-on fruit garden, we’ll help you make it happen.

Fruit trees made simple – and fun.