Pyrus communis Bosc (European Pear)

Called the 'aristocrat of pears', Pyrus communis 'Bosc' is a multi-purpose cultivar with a profusion of fragrant, creamy white flowers in late midseason (mid-spring). Draped in clusters along the branches, they are truly a sight to behold. They are followed in the fall by a heavy crop of medium to large, long-necked, warm cinnamon pears. Their flesh is firm, juicy, and has a sweet, rich flavor. They are perfect for eating, canning, and baking. They keep 2-3 months with their best flavor realized when stored. Bosc is not self-fertile and requires pollination by a tree of another variety with the same bloom period such as Bartlett or Anjou. The foliage of elliptic glossy green leaves turns pretty shades of red and yellow in fall. Bosc is an upright, vigorous pear tree well adapted to northern and western regions. It is susceptible to fire blight. Beautiful in bloom, handsome in full leaf, heavy with luscious pears, attractive in fall, and 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, 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.