Description
Rescue is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most dependable and unique pears, known for its exceptionally large fruit, sweet mild flavor, and high productivity. Originally discovered in western Washington, this variety excels in cool-summer climates and is prized by home growers for its reliability and ease of care.
The fruit is very large—often larger than Bartlett—with a smooth yellow-green skin and occasional pink blush. The flavor is sweet, mild, and pleasantly fragrant, making Rescue excellent for fresh eating, baking, and canning. It is also known for producing consistent crops even in challenging bloom seasons.
Grafted onto a semi-dwarfing rootstock, Rescue develops into a compact, manageable 12–15 ft tree, perfect for backyards and small orchards. It is not self-fertile and requires another European pear for pollination, such as Bartlett, Orcas, or Anjou.
Overview
- Large, sweet fruit—bigger than Bartlett.
- Excellent for fresh eating, baking, and canning.
- Highly reliable in cool-summer climates.
- Semi-dwarf tree that stays compact and manageable.
- Requires another European pear for pollination.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Pyrus communis ‘Rescue’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; prefers well-drained soil
Rootstock: OHxF 97 (semi-dwarf)
Hardiness: USDA Zone 5–9
Bearing Age: 1–3 years
Size at Maturity: 12–15 ft — easy to manage
Bloom Time: Mid-season
Ripening Time: Late August to early September
Pollination: Requires another European pear
Pests & Diseases: Good vigor and reliability
Yield: Heavy cropping when mature
Additional Notes
- Nerdy fact: Rescue was discovered as a chance seedling near Olympia, WA. It earned its name because the original tree was nearly cut down—but “rescued” when its superior fruit quality was recognized.
- Reliable even in years with poor spring weather.
- Great choice for Pacific Northwest growers.
- Explore more pear varieties in our collection: Pear Trees
