Pear (Pyrus) Black Worcester Half Standard 12L

Black Worcester is one of the oldest pears in cultivation and a true piece of English history. It is thought to date back centuries, possibly even to Roman times. According to tradition, when Queen Elizabeth I visited Worcester in 1575 she admired a tree laden with these pears, and three black pears still appear on the city's coat of arms today. It is a traditional "warden" pear, grown for cooking and keeping. White spring blossom, loved by bees, is followed by heavy crops of large, rounded pears that ripen from green to a deep mahogany brown, lightly russeted and handsome on the branch.

Pick the pears in late October or early November, then store them somewhere cool, dark and airy. They'll keep well into the following spring, often until March or later. The fruit stays firm and never softens enough to eat raw, but long, slow cooking transforms it. Simmer the pears for one to two hours in wine or spiced syrup and they become tender, sweet and beautifully coloured, delicious in pies and tarts, or served with game, pork and cheese.

Black Worcester is a reliable, heavy-cropping tree with a spreading habit, and it is generally healthy and trouble-free. It is not self-fertile, so plant it with at least one, and ideally two, other pear varieties nearby for good pollination. Plant in full sun in deep, fertile, well-drained soil, in a sheltered spot away from frost pockets. Prune in winter to keep an open shape and encourage fruiting spurs. Fully hardy.

Supplied in a 12-litre pot.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.