The Botanical Diary
C
Fruit trees

Conference Pear

Pyrus communis 'Conference'

Conference is the best-selling pear variety in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

Regions
Centre, South, West
Colour
White
Conference Pear
🌸
Bloom
April–May
☀️
Light
Full sun
💧
Watering
Moderate
📏
Height
4–8 m
❄️
Hardiness
Zone 5b

Conference Pear is one of Europe's most celebrated fruit crops, originating in nineteenth-century England. This variety has won the hearts of gardeners on both sides of the Atlantic thanks to its consistent yields and refined flavour. Its heritage is rooted in the British tradition of pear breeding, which emphasised fruit quality over size.

The 'Conference' tree is characterised by a compact, neat crown and slender branches that naturally form an attractive shape. The fruits are elegant and pear-shaped, with golden skin and delicate, juicy flesh. Unlike many other varieties, this pear reliably produces a harvest even during challenging seasons, making it a dependable partner for the gardener. The white spring blossoms are fragrant and attract pollinators beautifully.

In the garden, 'Conference' thrives alongside apple trees, quinces and cherries. It is undemanding in its requirements—content with moderate watering and a bright location, asking for no exotic conditions. The variety suits both small gardens and expansive fruit plantations equally well, integrating seamlessly into any landscape style.

A fascinating detail: 'Conference' is the preferred pear on European markets, particularly in Britain and the Netherlands, where it has become synonymous with quality fruit. If you seek a variety that combines reliability, flavour and beauty, this pear is your choice.

Location & soil

Conference Pear — planting & location

LightFull sun
Soil typeСуглинок, рН 6–7,5
Planting timeOctober або April
Plant spacing4–5 m
Planting depthAt root collar level

One of the most popular dessert varieties in Europe.

Water needs

How to water Conference Pear

IntensityModerate
FrequencyMay–August
Volume20–25
MethodПід крону

Regular watering during fruit development.

Annual care

Fertilizing and pruning: Conference Pear

Spring fertilizingUrea (March)
Summer fertilizingComplex nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertiliser (June)
Autumn fertilizingSuperphosphate (August)
Pruning timeFebruary–March
Pruning typeShaping + санітарна

Maintain a tiered crown structure.

Cold hardiness

Conference Pear — winter hardiness & care

Hardiness zoneZone 5b
Winter coverWhitewash the trunk.
Cover timingOctober
Plant protection

Diseases and pests of Conference Pear

Diseases
Scabвогняний опік
Pests
Грушева медяниця
Garden design

What grows well with Conference Pear?

Apple, Quince, Sweet cherry