Jessie Keith
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Pyrus communis 'Sensation Red Bartlett'
Plant Common Name
Pear, Sensation Red Bartlett Pear
General Description
A red-fruited sport of the popular Bartlett pear, 'Sensation Red Bartlett' produces numerous medium-sized, yellow-skinned fruits that blush dark red as they ripen. Introduced to the United States in 1959, it originated in Victoria, Australia circa 1940.
The soft, luscious, rough-skinned fruit is sweet and juicy with little graininess. The pears ripen in mid- to late summer, a few days later than those of 'Bartlett'. This upright, stout-branched, medium-sized tree bears masses of fragrant white flowers in spring. It sets more fruit if other pear trees are nearby for cross-pollination.
Usually picked before the peak of ripeness, pears can store well with refrigeration for an extended period. Firm fruits will soften fast if they are placed in a brown bag overnight at room temperature with a couple of ripe bananas. Eat pears when the skin gives slightly when pressed. They taste great with sharp cheese and also make superb cakes, tarts, brandy and butter.
Pears grow fruit best in full sun, though they can also tolerate partial sun. They prefer light, rich soils with good drainage but will tolerate heavier, clay-rich soils. This cultivar requires about 700 chilling hours (below 9 degrees C or 45 degrees F) to produce fruit. Most pear trees are grafted onto rootstock, which may impart a variety of characteristics to include compactness, disease and pest resistance, and vigor.
Plant pears as freestanding trees or train them into espaliered forms. Avoid hard pruning and fertilization because they promote fast-growing twigs that are especially susceptible to fire blight, which can disfigure and even kill the tree.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
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Plant Type
Fruit
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
12'-30' / 3.7m - 9.1m
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Width
10'-25' / 3.0m - 7.6m (20)
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Europe, Western Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Burgundy, Dark Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Purple, Dark Green, Burgundy
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
