Red Williams Pear Tree

Pyrus communis 'Red Williams' is a a fruiting variety of pear tree, yet the pretty spring flowers and autumn foliage make it deserving of a place in ornamental gardens as well as orchards and allotments. The unusual red skins of the pears stand out, but take a bite and they taste similar to the extremely popular 'Williams Bon Chretien'. These medium-large sized pears are sweet and juicy, although do not store well and are best enjoyed fresh.

'Red Williams' pear trees are hardy and have good disease and pest-resistance. They have attractive white flowers in spring that require a pollinator. The young pears that follow are burgundy coloured, becoming redder as they ripen. In autumn, the green foliage takes on vibrant shades of purple and red.

AKA Pyrus communis 'Red Williams', Pear Williams' Red, Pear Red William

Please note: photo is of very young pears that are still growing.

• Use: Eating Pear
• Flavour: Sweet
• Keeping period: 1 month
• Pollination group: C
• Height in 10 years*:

*Indication of the un-pruned height of this pear tree variety on different rootstocks. Variations will occur due to planting position, pruning, geography etc.

Planting Advice for Pyrus Red Williams

Williams Red requires a suitable pollination partner. Pear trees should be spaced according to their rootstock, for example a Quince A (semi-vigorous) rootstock will require approx. 3 metres between trees.

Pot grown pear trees can be planted at any time of the year but bare root pear trees need to be planted between November and March. Remove weeds and grass within a metre of your desired planting hole, then dig a hole slightly deeper than your root mass and approximately 3x as wide. To help pear trees establish more effectively, apply root grow, then gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole. Using 50% of the original soil and 50% compost, fill in the hole and firm around gently without banking soil up around the collar of the tree.

We recommend planting pear trees using a stake and tie kit plus rabbit guard, unless you are cordon or espalier training them in which case they will need wire support systems. The Pear Tree Planting & Care guide has further information.

Watering & Aftercare Advice for Pyrus Red Williams

If you’re planting Red Williams pear trees in spring, summer or dry weather, water well and regularly for the first few months. If you’re planting in autumn, you may only need to water your tree a little. Keep an eye on young pear trees and adjust watering as required. To check if the soil requires further water, dig a finger down into the soil, a few centimetres, and if the soil feels even slightly moist, it does not need further watering. If it feels dry, water and repeat this test again. Keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first couple of growing seasons.

Pruning Advice for Pyrus Red Williams

It is important to prune your pear tree for the first few years after planting to ensure a healthy, balanced shape. Your tree should have one central leader and several strong side shoots. Straight after planting, remove the lowest laterals and prune the rest back to about 10-15cm in length. Carry out this type of formative pruning in early spring.

In the following years, remove any shoots growing out of the trunk to maintain a clear stem. Also remove crossing, diseased or damaged branches. If your tree is looking overcrowded, remove some of the larger branches to open up the canopy. Carry out this type of pruning between November and March.

Delivery Costs

*Free delivery promotion excludes mature trees, extra large kits and delivery to Highlands or Islands. Discount applies at checkout.

Delivery Times

Next Day Despatch
We will always try to get your plants to you as quickly as possible.  For many of our trees and plants, if you order today we will despatch your order within 24 hours.  We are constantly adding to our range of next day plants, and we do not add a surcharge for this service. Click here to see our next day delivery plants.

Standard Delivery
We have one of the widest range of trees in the UK, and for those plants which we cannot despatch next day we will normally despatch within 4 weeks. The despatch time for different products will be confirmed when products are added to your shopping basket

Pre-orders
We will only want to deliver your orders when they are perfect for planting! Depending on the season and how well the plants are growing, we will give our best estimates of the despatch dates for pre-orders.  These dates may vary and by species and while we will always try to deliver within these timeframes if the expected despatch does change then we will notify you by email.

Special Orders
Orders containing pleached or mature trees (trees over 2.5m in height) are delivered within 3 weeks. They require specialist delivery and are grouped geographically. Any customers ordering pleached or mature trees will be contacted and notified of their delivery date.

If your trees are required by a specific date, please let us know as soon as possible; while we can’t offer any guarantees we will always do our best to accommodate you. You can leave instructions in the notes field on the Delivery Page of the Checkout or send us an email at [email protected].

Please note that orders are shipped once all the trees in the order are ready.

Collections
Collections are by appointment only at our West Yorkshire-based nursery. If you would like to place an order for collection, please get in touch before placing your order. You will not be charged a delivery cost for a collection and any delivery cost that has been applied will be refunded.

The product table at the bottom of the page gives the forms and sizes available for this variety. Please note, photos are a guideline as all plants are unique. *Pot sizes may vary. Below are definitions of terms:

Supplied Size: Height measured from the top of the pot.

Single Stem tree: Classic tree with one trunk, pruned for a beautiful, natural shape.

Top grafted tree: A height next to this form refers to the length of clear stem, which will not grow taller. Only the head of branches will develop. Ideal for small spaces.

Feathered tree: Branches from the bottom of the trunk all the way up. These branches can be removed if a clear stem is required.

Multi Stem tree: Two or more stems arising from or near ground level, growing from one root system.

Bush: A plant with many stems low down, rather than one clear stem.

Clump: Several plants in one pot that give the appearance of a bushy multi stem tree.

Climber: Naturally climbing plant. Usually delivered running up a cane, ready to position in the garden.

Standard Tree: A more mature tree with an upright clear stem of approximately 1.8m-2.0m (measured from the soil to the lowest branches of the crown). Standards are available in different forms relating to their girth size (circumference of the stem measured 1m above soil level), not height.