$44.95
An 'orchard grade' is a tree that may be on the shorter side, may be crooked or with slight damage. These trees will still produce the very same fruit as a first or number 1 will. They may need to be staked and they do need regular watering, fertilizer and protection from weeds and hungry animals. All trees will benefit from pruning.
Shipova is a unique, hard-to-find cross of Mountain Ash and European Pear. A rare hybrid dating back to the early 1600’s, this Yugoslavian native is one of the few really exotic fruits that is also very hardy. Attractive pyramidal shape trees with dark silver-grey foliage mature at 14-18ft tall and produce highly fragrant, golden yellow seedless fruit the size of a small pear. Lee Reich describes the flavour thus: 'The buttery flesh - a bit more meaty than a pear - melts with each bite to fill the mouth with semi-solid, sweet and fragrant ambrosia.'
The Shipova is a trouble-free tree, however it is in no hurry to start bearing - expect 7-10 years. Although basically self-fertile it will cross pollinate with pears or with other Mt Ash crosses.
SEMI-FERTILE* | ZONE 3/4 | HARVEST | LATE SEPT.