Red Sensation Bartlett Pear Pyrus communis 'Red Sensation Bartlett' (D/c)
ABOUT
The 'Red Sensation Bartlett' pear tree is a variety known for its unique and stunning appearance. This cultivar features a classic pear shape with a distinct red color that can vary in intensity from a deep blush to a vivid crimson hue. The leaves of this pear tree are glossy and a deep green, providing a lush backdrop for the fruit. The foliage may change to a yellow or red in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the landscape. The skin of the 'Red Sensation Bartlett' pears is smooth and may show some russetting, which is a rough, brownish area, considered normal and not harmful to the fruit. At maturity, the fruit is characteristically large and plump, with a sweet and juicy white flesh on the inside that offers a fine-grained texture. The flowers on this pear tree are white, typically blooming in clusters and providing a striking contrast against the dark foliage in the springtime. This tree presents an ornamental appeal, with its vibrant fruit and attractive floral display making it a striking addition to any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Red Sensation Bartlett Pear, Red Bartlett Pear.
Common names
Pyrus communis 'Red Sensation'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Red Sensation Bartlett pear is not toxic to humans. The fruit is edible and commonly consumed. However, as with any fruit, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. Consuming large quantities of seeds can potentially cause cyanide poisoning, which may result in symptoms such as headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, seizures, and death. It is rare, however, for people to ingest enough seeds to cause harm, as they are typically discarded and not consumed with the fruit flesh.
To pets
The Red Sensation Bartlett pear is generally not toxic to pets. The fruit can be a healthy treat for dogs and cats in moderation. However, the seeds, like in humans, contain amygdalin which can metabolize into cyanide. If a pet consumes a large number of seeds, it could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, seizures or coma. It is always best to remove the seeds before allowing a pet to consume pear pieces.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.5-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - The 'Red Sensation Bartlett' pear tree offers ornamental value with its vibrant red fruit and attractive foliage, enhancing garden beauty.
- Culinary Uses - Widely used in cooking and baking due to its sweet flavor, it is perfect for desserts, preserves, and fresh eating.
- Shade Provider - As a medium-sized tree, it can provide shade in gardens and outdoor living spaces during hot summer months.
- Pollinator Attraction - Blossoms attract bees and other pollinators, promoting biodiversity and health of the local ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest - With changing seasons, the tree offers a variety of visual interest from spring blossoms to fall fruit and leaf color changes.
- Fruit Production - Provides a source of fresh fruit which can be consumed or used in various recipes. It may also reduce grocery costs.
- Wildlife Habitat - The tree can provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, integrating nature into the garden environment.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The wood from the 'Red Sensation Bartlett' pear tree is used for crafting small specialty wood items like bowls, spoons, or other decorative objects.
- Art Supplies: The tree's wood can be made into high-quality drawing charcoal for artists.
- Musical Instruments: Pear wood is occasionally used in the construction of musical instruments such as recorders or woodwind instruments for its fine grain and stability.
- Printing Blocks: The wood's fine texture and hardness make it suitable for detailed engraving and printing blocks.
- Floral Displays: Branches of the tree, with or without the fruit, can be used in large floral arrangements for visual impact.
- Dye Production: The skin and leaves of 'Red Sensation Bartlett' pears contain tannins and can be used to produce natural dyes for fabric or paper.
- Rootstock: The tree can be used as a rootstock for grafting other pear varieties to control size and increase hardiness.
- Wildlife Habitat: The tree provides habitat and food for birds and other wildlife when planted as part of larger landscaping endeavors.
- Living Fences: 'Red Sensation Bartlett' trees can be trained and pruned to form a living fence or privacy screen.
- Photography Subject: The blossoms, fruit, and overall form of the tree make it a beautiful subject for nature and landscape photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe pear tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe pear tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Abundance: The Bartlett pear, known for its plentiful and delicious fruit, is often associated with abundance and generosity.
- Fertility: Its prolific nature and ease of growth make it a symbol of fertility and prosperity.
- Sweetness and Affection: The sweet flavor of Bartlett pears has come to represent sweetness in character and the warmth of affection in relationships.
- Comfort: Because of their juicy flesh and soft texture, Bartlett pears can signify comfort and the solace found in familiar things.
- Longevity: Pear trees can live for many years, making the Bartlett pear a symbol of long life and endurance.
- Hope: In some cultures, the blossoming of pear trees is a sign of spring and thus considered a symbol of hope and new beginnings.
WaterThe 'Red Sensation' Bartlett pear tree should be watered deeply once a week during active growth in spring and summer if there isn't significant rainfall. During the dormant winter period, reduce watering to every two to three weeks. Young trees require more consistent moisture and may need watering twice a week in the absence of rain, equating to about 15-20 gallons per week for new trees. Mature trees typically need around 30-40 gallons every watering session during dry periods. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, requiring good drainage to prevent root rot.
Light'Red Sensation' Bartlett pear trees perform best in full sunlight, with at least six hours of direct sun per day. They should be planted in a location where they are exposed to uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day to produce the best fruit and maintain a healthy tree.
TemperatureThe 'Red Sensation' Bartlett pear tree is hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -20°F, with an ideal growing range between 65°F to 75°F during the growing season. Summer temperatures above 90°F may cause stress to the tree, so providing adequate water during hot spells is important.
PruningPruning 'Red Sensation' Bartlett pear trees is important to maintain tree health, encourage fruit production, and control size. Prune during the dormant season, typically late winter or early spring, by removing dead or diseased branches, thinning out dense areas to allow light and air circulation, and shaping the tree. Moderate pruning is usually sufficient, and over-pruning should be avoided to prevent shocking the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Red Sensation Bartlett pear tree should be well-draining with a mixture of loam, sand, and organic matter such as compost or aged manure. The ideal soil pH for this pear tree is between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure optimal growth and fruit production.
RepottingRed Sensation Bartlett pear trees, being primarily outdoor trees, do not typically require repotting. Instead, they are planted in the ground and may need transplanting to a larger space as they grow every few years if space becomes limited.
Humidity & MistingRed Sensation Bartlett pear trees are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels; however, they thrive best in moderate humidity. Excessively dry or humid conditions can be detrimental, but average outdoor humidity levels are usually suitable for this pear tree.
Suitable locationsIndoor
It's impractical to grow Red Sensation Bartlett pear trees indoors due to their size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and provide ample space for growth.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cyclePyrus communis 'Red Sensation Bartlett', commonly known as the Red Sensation Bartlett Pear, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in spring after stratification, a period of cold temperature necessary to break dormancy. Seedlings develop into juvenile trees with a strong root system and the first true leaves emerge. Over the years, the juvenile tree transitions to an adult, developing a woody structure, more branches, and reaching flowering maturity where it produces white blossoms. Following pollination, typically by bees, fruits begin to develop, characterized by a distinct red color as they mature. The pear fruits reach full ripeness by late summer or early autumn and can be harvested. The adult tree can remain productive for many years, producing new blossoms and fruits each growing season, while older trees will eventually decline, completing their life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Fall to Winter
Propogation: The Red Sensation Bartlett pear, a variant of Pyrus communis, is often propagated by grafting, which is the most popular method. This technique involves joining a scion, which is a cutting from a desirable pear variety, to a rootstock of another tree that provides robustness and disease resistance. Grafting is usually done in late winter or early spring before bud break when the plant is still dormant. A common grafting technique is the 'whip and tongue' method, where matching diagonal cuts are made in both scion and rootstock, creating interlocking 'tongues' that ensure a strong union. After making the cuts, the scion is fitted tightly onto the rootstock and the grafting union is bound with grafting tape or a similar material to hold it in place while the graft heals, which can take several weeks to a few months.
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