Botanical profile

Pyrus communis 'Red Sensation'

Latin name
Pyrus communis Red Sensation
Common name
'Red Sensation' Pear
Type
Fruit tree
Family
Rosaceae

Pyrus communis ‘Red Sensation’ is a very attractive ornamental and fruiting pear tree, resulting from a natural mutation of ‘Williams’ Bon Chrétien. It stands out for its red foliage in spring, its decorative white flowers, and its brilliant dark red fruits, with juicy, sweet, and fragrant flesh, perfect for desserts or culinary uses. Its final size varies from 4 to 8 meters depending on the rootstock, which allows it to be adapted to both residential orchards and larger landscape plantings. This partially self-fertile cultivar (group 3) benefits from cross-pollination for optimal yield. It thrives in clay or sandy soils, well-drained to fresh, with a neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline pH. Harvested from mid to late September, ‘Red Sensation’ combines spring aesthetics, abundant flowering, and colorful fruiting, well-suited to temperate climates like that of Quebec.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 4–8
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Regular, spaced after establishment
Fertilization
Balanced spring salad
Soil type
Clayey or sandy, well-drained to moist, acidic to alkaline pH
Minimum temperature
-30°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Spring
Flower color
White (spring)
Fruiting
Dark red pears with juicy, sweet flesh, for dessert or cooking, harvested mid to late September
Foliage color
Red in spring, then green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Rounded to erected
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
4–8 m (13–26 ft)
Width
4–8 m (13–26 ft)
Growth rate
Moderate
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Fruit tree type
Pear tree
Pet friendly
Safe for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.