Pyrus communis ‘Beurré Hardy’
This dessert pear forms part of our collection of fruit trained as both oblique cordons and espaliers in the Fruit and Vegetable Garden. These trees were planted about 15 years ago and have been carefully trained since then.
The cordons tend to fruit better than the espaliers but our horticulturists think that this is only because they are in a more exposed position and not because of the method of training.
Vital statistics
- Common name
- Pear ‘Beurré Hardy’
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Height & spread
- Varies according to rootstock
- Form
- Deciduous tree
- Soil
- Moist, well-drained fertile soil
- Aspect
- Full sun, sheltered
- Hardiness
- Hardy throughout the British Isles
Pyrus
From woodland areas in Europe, parts of Asia and North Africa, there are around 1,530 species of Pyrus, they have an upright habit and are mainly deciduous. They are usually grown for their fruit and flowers but some also have excellent autumn colour. Ornamental pears can be grown as decorative trees; P. 'Chanticleer' is good for a small garden.
Pyrus communis ‘Beurré Hardy’
Pyrus communis, the common pear, is an upright (columnar) deciduous tree with white flowers 4cm (11/2 in) across in mid-spring, followed by edible, pear-shaped fruit. They typically reach 15m (49ft) tall by 10m (32ft) wide. However, the fruit trees we grow, and any you buy from reputable suppliers, will be grafted onto rootstocks, usually quince. This controls the size to allow for easier cultivation.
Pyrus communis ‘Beurré Hardy’ is a strong tree with regular heavy crops of large, conical fruit with shiny, yellowish green skin and russet dots. The flesh is white to pale pink, very juicy and sweet, with an aroma reminiscent of rosewater. It was raised in Boulogne, France in about 1820.
Cultivation
- Suitable for all training forms, including espalier, cordon, fan-trained, standard, over arches or as step-overs. Needs another cultivar which flowers at the same time for pollination.
- Regular pruning required; a spur bearer. Prune according to form, i.e. cordon, espallier, fan standard.
- Grow in any well-drained, fairly moisture retentive soil. The ideal pH is 6.5. Dig in plenty of organic matter on thin soils. Choose a sheltered position in full sun.
- Keep a weed free area of 60cm (23in) radius around the trunk. Thin fruit if necessary.
- May be attacked by aphids, caterpillars, codling moth, bullfinches, gall midges, pear and cherry slugworm and pear blister mite.
- Brown rot, blossom wilt, fireblight and replant diseases may also be troublesome.
Propagation
- Propagate by grafting or budding onto a rootstock for fruit. Quince rootstocks are usually used.
AGM
The RHS Fruit and Vegetable Committee awarded Pyrus communis ‘Beurré Hardy’ an Award of Garden Merit and described it as follows:
'Very melting and fragrant with rose-water perfume. Good, regular crops. Very hardy, vigorous tree; slow to bear; resistant to scab. Season: Nov–Dec.'