This variety has been grown on Wildhorse Island in Flathead Lake for over one hundred years. One of the most cold-hardy of all European pears, Flemish Beauty performs well in Zone 3 sites (–30°F to –40°F).

Origin and Fruit Characteristics

A Belgian pear, Flemish Beauty is medium to large with a round shape, yellow skin, and an attractive red blush. We mainly eat them fresh, but they’re also great for drying. Some growers have reported fungal issues in wetter climates, though we haven’t experienced any problems here in Montana.

Rootstock and Disease Resistance

Our Flemish Beauty pears are grafted onto scab- and fireblight-resistant OHxF87 rootstock. That said, it’s still up for debate how much of that disease resistance carries into the scion. Personally, I think the lack of fungal issues here has more to do with our drier climate than anything else.

Tree Structure and Sunlight Tips

As with all fruit trees—but especially pears, and even more so with Flemish Beauty—we recommend purchasing limb spreaders. This helps discourage their naturally vertical, pyriform growth. Wider branch angles allow more sunlight to reach into the canopy and can help prevent fungal problems.

Cold Hardiness and Future Options

These pears are hardy to –40°F. If you’re in a spot that sees temps colder than that, stay tuned for next year—we’ll have Russian pears and other varieties that can handle down to –50°F.

Tree Sizes Available

Our Flemish Beauty pears come in multiple sizes, but all are grafted onto OHxF87, which we’ve found to be reliably hardy down to –40°F, and in many cases even –45°F.