Semi Dwarf Pear Tree – ‘Conference’

Fruit Type: Pear
Botanical Name: Pyrus communis ‘Conference’
Fruit Colour: Green ripening to pale yellow, sometimes with russeting
Growth Habit: Semi dwarf deciduous fruit tree grafted onto slow-growing rootstock
Final Height: Approx. 4–5 m
Expected Yield: Approx. 20–40 kg per season once mature
Exposure: Full sun
Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil
Pollination: Partially self-fertile; planting another pear variety such as Saint Rémy, Clapp’s Favourite, Bonne Louise d’Avranches, Williams, Doyenné du Comice, Comtesse de Paris, or Beurré Hardy may improve fruit set
Hardiness: Hardy to approx. −25°C; blossoms may be sensitive to late spring frost

‘Conference’ is one of the most widely cultivated pear varieties in Europe, valued for its dependable harvest, sweet flavour, and excellent storage qualities. Developed in England in the late nineteenth century, it has become a trusted dessert pear for both fresh eating and culinary use.

This variety produces medium to large elongated pears with green skin that ripens to pale yellow and may show characteristic russeting depending on growing conditions. The flesh is soft, juicy, and sweet with a fine aroma. The fruit is well suited to fresh consumption as well as salads, desserts, baking, poaching, and preserves.

Harvest typically takes place in early to mid autumn, often from late September into October depending on seasonal warmth and local growing conditions. Pears can be picked slightly firm and allowed to ripen indoors, which also allows the fruit to be stored for an extended period.

This pear grows as a semi dwarf fruit tree, remaining more manageable than traditional full-sized orchard pears while still producing generous yields. The controlled size is achieved through grafting onto a slow-growing rootstock, a technique widely used in professional orchards to regulate tree height and support reliable fruit production.

In spring the tree produces abundant white blossoms that attract bees and other pollinators, creating an elegant ornamental display before the foliage fully develops.

Pears thrive in sunny positions with fertile, well-drained soil. A warm, sheltered location supports healthy flowering and proper fruit development.

We select our fruit trees with winter hardiness in mind, ensuring suitability for reliable outdoor cultivation in our climate.

With proper care and placement, ‘Conference’ becomes a productive and long-lived fruit tree, rewarding gardeners with generous harvests of sweet autumn pears with excellent storage potential.

All trees are sold and delivered as 1-2 year old trees, similar to those supplied to commercial orchards, in jute bags filled with rich Dutch soil, depending on availability and variety.