Spring 2024
Keepers NurseryThe UK's largest range of Fruit Trees
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Plymouth Pear



A rare pear species, Pyrus cordata, bares very small fruits like a crab apple.

Origin: Devon UK,

Pollination: Plymouth Pear is self-sterile and would require a pollinator to produce a crop.  Pollination partners

Plymouth Pear pear trees produced to order

Closing date for custom graft orders: 14 Jul 2024

We do not stock this variety, but we can produce custom-graft trees for you. Trees can be grafted on any of the following rootstocks:

FormRootstockPriceQuantity
MaidenOHxF87Semi-vigorous £39.00
MaidenPyrusVery vigorous £39.00

Custom graft trees would be supplied in December 2025. More details of our custom grafting service here.

History and description of Plymouth Pear

The Plymouth pear is an unusual and rare species of pear, distinct from the common European pear. Small numbers of these trees are found growing in hedgerows in Devon and Cornwall, and have been known since the late 19th century. Other populations have been found in north-western France and north-west Spain. The geographical spread suggests the species arose before the end of the last Ice Age, when England and France were still connected.

The pears are small, borne on long stalks, and not palatable, although popular with birds. Cropping is very light. The blossom has a rather unpleasant scent.

Despite the apparent lack of of fruitful qualities the Plymouth pear is of interest because of its unusual history, and the fact that it hybridises readily with other pear species.

The Plymouth pear trees we supply are grafted (i.e. cloned) to order on size-controlling rootstocks. The grafts are taken from our mother tree which is about 25 years old. Unfortunately we cannot supply seeds, or seedling trees, or scion material. However the Plymouth pear trees we produce can be used for cross-fertilising with other Plymouth pear trees or other pear species.

Characteristics of Plymouth Pear pear trees

UseDessert
Colour
Flavour
Fruit size
Picking time
Season of use
Tree vigourModerate
Tree habit
Fruit-bearingSpur-bearer
Cropping
Pollination date0
Pollination group
Self-fertilitySelf-sterile
PollinatorsPollination partners