Semi Dwarf Pear Tree – ‘Williams’

Fruit Type: Pear
Botanical Name: Pyrus communis ‘Williams’ (Williams Bon Chretien / Bartlett)
Fruit Colour: Greenish-yellow, sometimes with light red blush
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: Not reliably self-fertile; compatible pollinators include Saint Rémy, Clapp’s Favourite, Bonne Louise d’Avranches, Doyenné du Comice, Conference, Comtesse de Paris, or Beurré Hardy
Hardiness: Hardy to approx. −25°C; blossoms may be sensitive to late spring frost

‘Williams’ is one of the most widely grown and historically significant pear varieties, known internationally as Williams Bon Chretien and in North America as Bartlett. Originating in the late eighteenth century, it remains valued for its dependable harvest and distinctive flavour.

This variety produces medium to large pears with smooth greenish-yellow skin, occasionally developing a light red blush as the fruit ripens. The flesh is soft, very juicy, and sweet with the rich aromatic flavour often considered the classic pear taste. The fruit is excellent for fresh eating as well as desserts, preserves, and juices.

Harvest typically takes place in early autumn, often from late August into September depending on seasonal warmth and local growing conditions.

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, ‘Williams’ becomes a productive and long-lived fruit tree, rewarding gardeners with generous harvests of juicy, aromatic pears.

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.