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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
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.
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Other common names pear 'Williams' Bon Chrétien'
Synonyms Pyrus 'William'
Family Rosaceae
Genus Pyrus are deciduous trees or shrubs with oval leaves and scented white flowers in spring, followed by green or brown fruits, edible in some species
Details A dessert pear, 2.5-8m tall depending upon the rootstock. Flowers white, fruit yellow-green with a good flavour. Pollination group 3. Season of use: mid- to late September
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Bushy
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H6
Full Sun
Aspect South-facing or West-facing
Exposure Sheltered
Clay
Loam
Sand
MoistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
SoilClay, Loam, Sand
pHNeutral
Ultimate height 4-8 metres
Ultimate spread 4-8 metres
Time to ultimate height 5-10 years
Cultivation Suitable for all training forms including bush, espaliers, fan-training, pyramids and cordons. Flowers early and so at risk from spring frosts. Needs another cultivar for pollination. Keep a weed free area of 60cm radius around the trunk. Thin fruit if necessary. Unsuitable for use as a pollinator for 'Louise Bonne of Jersey' and vice versa
Propagation Propagate by grafting or chip budding onto a clonal rootstock for fruit; quince rootstocks are usually used. The rootstock used will largely determine the vigour
Suggested planting locations and garden types Architectural Cottage & Informal Garden
Pruning Spur bearer. Regular pruning required according to form: cordons, espaliers and pruning established fans. To train as bush see pruning new pear trees, winter pear pruning and renovating pear trees
Pests May be attacked by aphids, caterpillars, codling moth, bullfinches, pear midge, blister mite and pear and cherry slugworm
Diseases Susceptible to pear scab. It may be affected by pear rust, brown rot, blossom wilt and fireblight
RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team.
pear 'Williams' Bon Chrétien'
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