The least vigorous of all the rootstocks - grown as a bush tree, they can be spaced as little as 1.2m (4ft) apart.

The serious drawback to garden cultivation of M27 rootstock is that the conditions must be perfect and the crop of apples will be relatively small. No competition from weeds or grass, very fertile soil and permanent staking are the downside.

GardenAction do not recommend this rootstock for open garden cultivation. However, they make excellent large tub plants or will grow reasonably well on patios.