Patio pear tree (Pyrus communis 'Louisa') – 5-litre pot

Louisa is a compact, self-pollinating pear tree that fits perfectly on a patio, balcony, or in a small garden. The medium-sized pears have a green-brown skin and a deliciously sweet, juicy flavour, ideal for fresh consumption or in desserts. In spring, the tree blossoms beautifully with white flowers, and in September, the pears are ready for harvest. An added advantage: Louisa is scab-resistant and particularly easy to grow, even for novice gardeners.

Thanks to the slow-growing rootstock, the tree remains compact and provides a rich harvest after just two years.

What is a patio tree?
A patio tree is a compact tree specially selected or cultivated to be suitable for smaller gardens, terraces, or patios. These trees are generally smaller in height and width than traditional trees, allowing them to fit well into limited spaces. On average (depending on pruning), they reach +/- 150 cm in height. They have a rootstock that stimulates slow, compact growth. They are also often grown in pots or pruned in a special way to limit their growth and control their size.

Key features:

• Harvest period: September
• Flavour: sweet, juicy
• Fruit colour: green-brown
• Use: fresh eating, desserts, storing
• Position: full sun, sheltered
• Height: approx. 150 cm
• Self-pollinating: yes
• Scab-resistant: yes
• Flowering time: April-May
• Height at delivery: 80 cm (excluding pot)

Tips and care:

• Planting: because the trees are delivered in pots, they can be planted all year round. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot in well-drained, fertile soil. The more sunlight, the larger and tastier the fruit. Avoid wet soil; pear trees do not like "wet feet".
• Pruning: thanks to the slow-growing rootstock, pruning is hardly necessary. Do you want to keep the tree compact? Then prune lightly in winter when the tree has lost its leaves. Remove dead or crossing branches for a healthy, airy canopy.
• Feeding: fertilise in the spring with an organic-mineral fertiliser for healthy growth and good fruit set. When in a pot, regular fertilisation is extra important because there is no natural supply of nutrients.
• Garden soil or pots: Louisa thrives in a large pot of at least 25-30 litres on the patio or balcony. In open ground, the tree grows more vigorously and produces more fruit.
• Support: provide support in the first year with a sturdy stake and tree tie. Ensure that the branches do not collapse under the weight of the fruit during a rich harvest.
• Water: water regularly, especially during warm and dry periods. Water more frequently in a pot than in open ground. Avoid waterlogging at the roots.

TIP: Pears are best stored in a cool, dry place. Are they fully ripe? Then eat them quickly; pears do not have a long shelf life. But fresh from the tree, they always taste the best!