Le Conte Pear
Pyrus x lecontei
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Pyrus x lecontei is a deciduous Tree growing to 8 m (26ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 8
Where it is found
Not known in the wild.
A garden hybrid, P. communis x P. pyrifolia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw or cooked. The flesh is crisp-fleshed like that of the Asian pears and is ready to eat when picked. It requires no further ripening and can store for several days to several months. Occasionally eaten fresh, it is more commonly cooked in pies, preserves etc. A sour taste. The fruit is up to 8cm long and 5cm wide.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a good well-drained loam in full sun. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates light shade but does not fruit so well in such a position. Tolerates atmospheric pollution, excessive moisture and a range of soil types if they are moderately fertile. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. This hybrid species has a greater resistance to fireblight than either of its parents though the fruit quality is poorer. Occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named varieties.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn, it will then usually germinate in mid to late winter. Stored seed requires 8 - 10 weeks cold stratification at 1°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Temperatures over 15 - 20°c induce a secondary dormancy in the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for their first year. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. This species is a hybrid and is unlikely to breed true to type from seed.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist