Pear (Pyrus) Beurre Hardy 12L

Beurré Hardy is a classic French dessert pear, grown in British gardens since the 19th century and a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Its white spring blossom is a welcome early source of nectar for bees. In October it produces handsome, medium to large pears with bronze-russeted skin, often blushed red on the sunny side. The creamy, buttery flesh ("beurré" means buttery) is juicy and melting, with a rich, sweet, aromatic flavour. The pears are delicious eaten fresh and also excellent for poaching and baking.

Beurré Hardy forms a vigorous, upright tree that suits medium to larger gardens and small orchards. It can take a few years to start cropping, but it rewards patience with reliable harvests and it is a hardy, robust variety. It is not self-fertile, so plant it with another pear nearby for cross-pollination. Beth, Conference or Concorde all make ideal partners. Plant in full sun in a sheltered spot, in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil, and avoid frost pockets, as pears flower early. Thin heavy clusters after the natural early summer drop. Pick the pears while still firm, before they fully ripen on the tree, then ripen them indoors for a few days. Prune in winter to keep an open shape and encourage fruiting spurs. Fully hardy.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.