A pear tree makes a fine addition to the garden, producing spring blossoms and delicious fruit
For your veggie patch, windowsill or in pots
Superior to shop-bought fruit in flavour and texture, sinking your teeth into a home-grown pear is heavenly. Although they can be tricky to grow in the coldest counties, they are well worth a go. As well as sweet, juicy fruit in late summer and autumn, they produce a cloud of scented snowy white blossom in spring. And, of course, they are very festive trees, so a pear tree in a pretty pot could make a great Christmas gift.
The famous carol line “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree” is thought to have originated in an image used in old drinking songs and children’s counting rhymes, although this usually referred to “a pye (magpie) sat on a pear tree”.
Whilst the apple is the easiest fruit tree to grow, a pear (Pyrus communis) is a little more demanding. Even the hardier cultivars – which can be grown in northern counties – require a sunny, sheltered spot. Unlike apples, pears can’t be eaten fresh from the tree, but must be stored to ripen. However, this means pests and diseases rarely affect the fruit.
Some pears are relatively self-fertile, but another pear tree is required nearby to ensure a decent crop. If your neighbours don’t have one, you will have to plant a second tree. Where space is tight, it could be grown against a wall. Ensure it comes from the correct pollination group because not all varieties are compatible, and make sure it’s sufficiently hardy for your area.
A reputable supplier (such as Frank P. Matthews) can advise on the most suitable pear pair for you. For instance, Conference (a very reliable mid-season variety) could be partnered with Beth – an excellent early cropper with beautiful blossom – in many gardens.
Plant in a sunny spot, in deep, well-drained, fertile soil, well away from frost pockets and cold wind. Once established, pears grow into charming, characterful trees that support a wealth of wildlife. You might, one day, spot a magpie perched in the boughs, but – since they are ground birds – you’re unlikely to ever see a partridge in your pear tree.
Houseplant Of The Month
The Poinsettia
Euphorbia pulcherrima is festive pot plant that brightens the house for weeks. Its
