Pitmaston Duchess pear
Pyrus communis 'Pitmaston Duchess'
USDA zones4 to 8
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Habit
- Upright-spreading / vase
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- White
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Pitmaston Duchess' pear (Pyrus communis 'Pitmaston Duchess') is a tree for food gardens and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to average, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. John Williams bred it in 1841. The fruit is grown for fresh eating and cooking, and it ripens late. You need a second pear nearby for pollination, since this tree is not self-fertile.
Pairs well with Plum, Raspberry, Creeping thyme, and Big bluestem.