Doyenne du Comice

Doyenne du Comice has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit

Doyenne du Comice is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators

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Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Flowering group: 4
Awards: RHS AGM (current) 1993

Comice is widely considered to have the best flavor of any pear. It has both the characteristic "melting" flesh of the highest quality pear varieties, along with a sweet richness and delicacy which others can't quite attain.

Although originating from France it was well-known in England by the late 19th century and the Victorian author Robert Hogg records several letters from fellow enthusiasts praising its "surpassing flavour".

Trained Doyenne du Comice pear trees for sale

1Medium Espalier (starter) tree £45.00
Supplied with 1 tier and a leader, for training on as an espalier or palmette. Approx. mature size: up to 3m wide and 2.5m high. Potential for 3-5 tiers. bare-root.
Available next season
2Large Espalier (starter) tree £45.00
Supplied with 1 tier and a leader, for training on as an espalier or palmette. Approx. mature size: 3m wide and 2.5m high. Potential for 3-5 tiers. bare-root.
Available next season
3Large Fan (starter) tree £45.00
Up to 3m wide and 2m high. bare-root.
Available next season
4Large Fan (starter) tree £30.00
Supplied with 2 primary arms for training on as a fan. Approx mature size: 3m-4m wide and up to 2.5m high. bare-root.
Available next season

Growing and Training

As befits such a refined pear, Doyenne du Comice needs to be grown in a sheltered situation, and it likes a dry warm climate.

The other important consideration with Comice is that it needs a reliable pollination as the shape of its flowers makes successful pollination more difficult. Therefore make sure a compatible pollinator tree is close by so that pollinating insects can move from tree to tree.

As with all pears, it is important to get the time of picking right. Unlike apples, which are usually best if left to ripen on the tree, pears should be picked under-ripe and then ripened indoors (or in a fridge).

Inspite of its somewhat fussy requirements, Comice is quite resistant to fireblight, one of the main diseases of pears.