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Flemish Beauty pear tree

Flemish Beauty is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Self-fertility: Self-fertile
  • Pollination group: 3

Flemish Beauty is an old-fashioned European eating pear, with the classic melting buttery flesh which was so highly prized in 19th century Europe. It has a rich sweet flavor.

It ripens mid to late season, typically about 2 weeks after Bartlett.

Flemish Beauty pear trees for sale

You can pre-order now for spring 2025

  • Semi-standard 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
    Mature height: 10ft-16ft after 10 years
    OHxF 87 rootstock

How to grow

Flemish Beauty is one of the most cold-hardy of European pears, capable of tolerating zone 4 winters, and a good choice for the north country. It is also reliably self-fertile, which is unusual amongst European pears.

It will start bearing from a relatively young age.

It's main drawback is susceptibility to fireblight.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

As the name suggests, Flemish Beauty appears to have been arisen in the region of Flanders in northern Belgium. In 1810, during the Napoleonic Wars, the Belgian fruit enthusiast Jean-Baptiste Van Mons came across this variety in the village of Deftinge. Van Mons was undoubtedly the most influential figure in the development of European pears, and brought it to the notice of his wide network of pear enthusiasts. It was quickly taken up by growers in North America, where its exceptional cold-hardiness was a significant advantage.

Flemish Beauty characteristics

  • Gardening skillAverage
  • Self-fertilitySelf-fertile
  • Pollination group3
  • Pollinating othersAverage
  • Picking seasonMid
  • UsesEating fresh
  • Keeping (of fruit)1 week
  • General resistancePoor
  • FireblightSome susceptibility
  • ScabVery susceptible
  • Cold hardiness (USDA)Zone 4 (-34C)
  • Summer maximum temperaturesWarm (25-30C / 76-85F)
  • Country of originBelgium
  • Period of origin1750 - 1799
  • Fruit colorYellow / Orange