Pyrus communis ‘Conference’ (Espaliered Pear)

A very commanding shape, the expertly-espaliered branches of this pear tree support oodles of scented spring flowers which are followed by luscious autumn fruit.

‘Spalliera’ from the Italian, loosely means ‘something to rest the shoulder (‘spalla’) against. A technique of pruning and training fruit trees which has been honed and perfected into an art form and one which we get quite excited about. 

Pear trees are one of the cornerstones of an English garden, attractive in bloom and abundant of fruit and when paired with similarly-trained apples you have an instant orchard. The espaliered form is very architectural, especially in winter, and makes a fine specimen against a sunny courtyard wall. We might suggest planting several of these trees to create an avenue or a living boundary with dramatic angles yet a lightness of form.You could also plant a few to create ‘rooms’ or to define different zones and sheltered pockets within a garden design.

Best positioned in sun to partial shade, in most fertile well drained soils. ‘Conference’ is a partially self-fertile pear, though cropping is improved with an additional pollinator.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.