Pear ‘Beurre Hardy’

‘Beurre Hardy’ is an old French pear introduced in the mid-1800s, still one of the best tasting dessert pears you can grow. Large fruits with golden-russeted skin ripen in October with melting, juicy white flesh and a distinctive rose-water flavour.

Trees are vigorous and productive, with an upright habit and good disease resistance. Self-fertility is partial, so crops are heavier with a suitable pollinator nearby. White blossom covers the tree in April.

Plant in full sun in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Stake young trees and prune in winter to build a good framework, then summer prune to keep vigour in check and improve fruit quality.

A cracking classic for a kitchen garden, an orchard corner, or as a trained espalier on a sunny wall.