Flemish Beauty Pear Tree
A cold-hardy heirloom with unmatched flavor and timeless charm
Also known as Fondante de Boise, Sweetmeat of the Woods, and Bosc Peêr, the Flemish Beauty pear is a storied European variety with deep roots in orchard history. First discovered as a wildling in East Flanders around 1800, this pear has enchanted growers for centuries with its rich, musky flavor and striking appearance. For northern gardeners seeking a self-fertile, cold-hardy pear with exceptional eating quality, Flemish Beauty is a standout.
Why Grow Flemish Beauty?
- Cold-Hardy & Vigorous – Thrives in Zones 4–7 with strong growth and resilience in northern climates.
- Self-Fertile Convenience – Sets fruit without a pollinator, though yields improve with a companion tree.
- Unmatched Flavor – Rich, musky, and perfectly balanced between sweetness and acidity. Hedrick called it “almost unapproachable in quality.”
- Striking Appearance – Large fruit with clear yellow skin, a rosy blush on the sun-exposed cheek, and fine russeting.
- Historic Heirloom – Cultivated since the early 1800s and recommended by the American Pomological Society in 1848.
Growing Details:
- Zones: 4–7
- Chill Hours: 800–1,000
- Ripening: About two weeks after Bartlett (mid to late September)
- Pollination: Self-fertile (better yields with a pollinizer)
- Habit: Spreading with drooping branches
Notes on Cultivation:
- Ripening Strategy – Pick when full-sized and allow to finish ripening off the tree for best texture and flavor.
- Fireblight Sensitivity – Susceptible in large-scale plantings, but manageable in small, isolated orchards with good airflow and care.
Perfect For:
- Heirloom enthusiasts and orchard historians
- Northern growers seeking a richly flavored, self-fertile pear
