Fondante d'Automne is an old-fashioned 19th century French pear variety which has been grown in England since Victorian times. Its name describes it well - this is a late-season pear with a sugary sweet flavour. The fruits are small to medium in size, usually covered with a light russet.
For best results, as with most pears, pick the fruits before they are fully ripe on the tree and ripen in a fruit bowl.
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Unlike many pears of French origin, Fondante d'Automne fruits reliably in the English climate, and is not susceptible to the usual pear diseases.
Fondante d'Automne was raised in the 1820s, either by Mr Fievee of Maubeuge in northern France or Major Esperen of Malines in Belgium. It is usually known as Belle Lucrative in the USA and Australia. In Europe it is sometimes known as Seigneur Esperen.
Unlike many garden centres and online retailers, the vast majority of our fruit trees are grown in the UK. Find out more.
In addition, all our trees are certified under the Plant Healthy scheme, supervised by the Plant Health Alliance.
Other stakeholders include Defra and the RHS. The scheme aims to improve UK biosecurity by setting standards
for all growers and retailers involved in selling plants in the UK.
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When you buy your fruit tree from Orange Pippin Fruit Trees we guarantee it for the first season in your garden whilst it gets established. If it doesn't grow successfully, we'll either replace it the following season or offer a refund - subject to some conditions. Find out more.
This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2024.