Pyrus communis 'Conference' (D)

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  The RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) helps gardeners choose the best plants for their garden.
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  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. Flowers early and so at risk from spring frosts. Can set fruit without pollination, but tends to fruit better if cross pollinated by another cultivar. Keep a weed free area of 60cm radius around the trunk. Fruit thinning may be needed

Propagation

Propagate by grafting or chip budding onto a clonal rootstock for fruit; quince rootstocks are usually used. The rootstock used largely determine the size

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

Regular pruning required; a spur bearer

Pests

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

Diseases

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