Pyrus communis 'Onward' (D)

• The RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) helps gardeners choose the best plants for their garden.
• 
  RHS Plants for Pollinators plants

  This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.

  It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.

  • Garden Plants
  • Wildflowers
  • Plants of the World

Cultivation

Suitable for all training forms including cordons and fan-training. Flowers early and so at risk from spring frosts. Plant in a sunny position in moist, but well-drained soil. Needs another cultivar for pollination. Keep a weed free area of 60cm radius around the trunk. Thin fruit if necessary. Not compatible for pollination purposes with 'Doyenne du Comice'

Propagation

Propagate by grafting or chip budding onto a clonal rootstock for fruit; quince rootstocks are usually used. The rootstock used will affect plant size

Suggested planting locations and garden types

• City and courtyard gardens
• Cottage and informal garden
• Wildlife gardens
• Wall side borders
• Edible fruit

Pruning

Regular pruning required; a spur bearer. Prune cordons and other restricted forms in summer and bushes in winter. Further pruning advice: pruning new pear trees, summer pear pruning, winter pear pruning, renovating pear trees, pruning established fans

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, codling moth, bullfinches, pear midge, pear blister mite and pear and cherry slugworm

Diseases

May be susceptible to blossom wilt, brown rot, fireblight, pear scab, European pear rust and honey fungus (rarely)