Pear 'Winter Nelis'

'Winter Nelis' is a premier late-season dessert pear, valued for its exceptional keeping qualities and intensely sweet flavour. The fruit is small to medium-sized, with a heavily russeted, greenish-yellow skin. The flesh is buttery, melting, and very juicy with a rich, spicy aroma. It is typically harvested in October but should be stored until December or January to reach peak ripeness, making it a Christmas favourite. The tree has a somewhat sprawling, erratic growth habit and is not as vigorous as some other pears. It is not self-fertile and requires a pollination partner. It needs a very warm, sheltered position, preferably a south-facing wall, to ensure the fruit develops its best flavour and to protect its mid-season white blossoms. Despite its modest appearance, it is often cited by connoisseurs as one of the finest-tasting pears available to UK gardeners.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Apr.