Pear (Pyrus) Williams' Bon Chrétien Half Standard

Williams' Bon Chrétien is one of the world's most famous pears and a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. It was first raised in Aldermaston, Berkshire, in the 18th century and is known in North America as the Bartlett. White spring blossom, loved by bees, is followed in early September by generous crops of classic bell-shaped pears that ripen from green to golden yellow, sometimes with a faint red blush. The white flesh is sweet and exceptionally juicy, with a rich, musky flavour. The pears are superb eaten fresh and hold their shape well for poaching, baking and bottling.

This half standard has a clear trunk of around 1.2m beneath a well-branched crown. It grows into a classic freestanding orchard-style tree with room to mow or plant beneath, which suits lawns, larger gardens and small orchards. Williams' is hardy, reliable and quick to come into cropping. It is partly self-fertile, but crops far more heavily with another pear nearby, and Conference, Concorde and Beth all make good partners. Plant in full sun in a sheltered spot, in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil, stake firmly for the first few years, and avoid frost pockets, as pears flower early. Pick the fruit in late August or early September while still firm and green, then ripen it indoors for a few days until it turns yellow. Enjoy it soon after, as early pears don't store for long. Thin heavy clusters after the natural early summer drop, and 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.