patty

I have Arkansas Black growing as an espalier with no problem. Any apple tree can be espaliered. As Melikeepalnts said, "tip bearers" can be more challenging but still doable.

That said, i hesitate to recommend any particular apple variety because the most important consideration is .... what do you like to eat. Each palette is different. I like acidic ( sour) apples. Some don't care as long as it is sugarie sweet.

My suggestion is .... FIND THE FLAVOR YOU LIKE AND PLANT IT.

Mike

Cultivar climate adaptation also varies regionally. North Carolina Cooperative Extension should be able to advise on this.

Thank you for the response Mike. What rootstock is your Arkansas Black on? Mine is on a semi-dwarf rootstock and think this combo may be too vigourus. I could always prune heavily and keep it small. I do understand that regional and personal tastes are a big factor in our choices but wanted to read some views. Been reading much and will just dive in with a few choices and see how they do in my small yard. I had about 15 varieties in a local property we just moved from to downsize within the same area. Plan to grow vertically with apples and other favorite garden choices. I brought all my Old Garden Roses, peonies, clematis and others from previous property and will wait patiently for them to get back to what they were in our previous garden. 15) 8 yo heirloom apple trees were left behind. I had two young Arkansas Black that I was able to dig and take with me as well, thus my question on espaliering them and adding a couple of others which I"m thinking about: Goldrush, Blacktwig and Hooples Antique.

Patty

Centennial crab, which is an EXCELLENT quality eating apple, is a genetic dwarf. I'm planning to graft one on semi-dwarfing(M111) rootstock for my son and DIL to espalier in the yard at their new home.

PATTY57

mine is on M111

mike