Pyrus communis Bartlett (European Pear)

A long-standing favorite, Pyrus communis 'Bartlett' is a multi-purpose cultivar with a profusion of fragrant, creamy white flowers in early mid-season (early-mid spring). Draped in clusters along the branches, they are truly a sight to behold. They are followed in late summer to early fall by a heavy crop of medium to large, thin-skinned, yellow pears adorned with a short neck. Their white flesh is smooth, juicy, very sweet and tender. They are perfect for eating, canning and preserves. The fruits will keep for up to 3 months if stored properly. Bartlett is partially self-fertile and requires pollination by a tree of another variety with the same bloom period such as Moonglow or Orient. The foliage of elliptic glossy green leaves turns pretty shades of red and yellow in fall. Discovered in 1797, this heirloom pear variety is still ranked #1 worldwide. The tree is productive and reliable. Beautiful in bloom, handsome in full leaf, heavy with luscious pears, attractive in fall, picturesque in winter, pear trees are very rewarding additions to the landscape across the seasons.

• Grows up to 12-15 ft. tall (3-4 m) and 8-10 ft. wide (2-3 m) as a dwarf variety. Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall and wide (4-6 m) as a standard tree.
• A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in deep, fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Prefers a sheltered, frost-free position.
• Pears should be pruned every year to get the best crop. They also need to be thinned to about 5 in. apart (12 cm) in late spring or early summer if you want to reap the best-quality fruit.
• Keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars, codling moth, pear blister mite, pear midge and pear and cherry slugworm, pear scab, pear rust, brown rot, blossom wilt and fireblight.
• Propagate by grafting or chip budding onto a clonal rootstock for fruit; quince rootstocks are usually used. The rootstock used will largely determine the vigor.