The Apple Surprize Tree (Malus domestica ‘Surprize’) is an exceptional modern variety bred for both ornamental appeal and superb eating quality. Unlike most traditional apples, Surprize offers a unique combination of glossy orange skin and bright pink flesh, making it a true talking point in any garden.
The fruit is crisp and juicy, with a refreshingly sweet flavour that appeals to both adults and children. Its distinctive pink flesh adds colour and excitement to fruit salads, desserts, and juices, making it as versatile in the kitchen as it is beautiful on the tree. Beyond its culinary uses, Surprize is simply a joy to eat fresh from the branch.
The tree itself provides ornamental interest throughout the seasons. In spring, it produces clusters of attractive white blossom, which are followed by the development of its colourful fruits. By late September through October, the apples are ready to harvest, offering a plentiful supply of delicious and unusual fruit.
For best performance, Surprize requires a pollination partner from Group 2 or 3. Suitable partners include popular varieties such as Gala, Cox, or Fiesta. When correctly paired, the tree produces heavy crops of consistently high-quality fruit.
Growing conditions are straightforward, with the tree performing best in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only standard apple care such as pruning in winter to shape the tree and maintain airflow, and watering during dry periods to support fruit development.
Developed in Kent, Surprize has quickly gained recognition for its novelty and quality. It was awarded Gold at the National Plant Show in 2017 for best new variety, underlining its value as a breakthrough addition to the apple market. Since then, it has become a popular choice for gardeners looking for something distinctive and rewarding to grow.
With its striking appearance, excellent flavour, and award-winning status, the Apple Surprize Tree is perfect for those who want to grow fruit that stands out both in the garden and on the table.
The Apple Surprize Tree reaches a medium size, typically growing to around 3–4 metres in height with a spread of 2–3 metres after ten years. The ultimate size depends on the rootstock used and how regularly it is pruned, making it suitable for a range of gardens.
It can be kept compact with annual pruning or trained as a cordon, espalier, or fan against a wall, making it a versatile choice even for smaller spaces. When grown on dwarfing rootstocks, it is also suitable for container cultivation.
Despite its manageable size, Surprize is a productive variety, yielding generous crops of striking apples. Its combination of ornamental blossom, colourful fruits, and practical growth habit ensures it fits beautifully into both traditional orchards and modern gardens alike.