Shenandoah Pear Tree

Shenandoah is a premium European pear developed through one of the most respected pear breeding partnerships in the country — the U.S. Department of Agriculture and The Ohio State University. Released in 2003, it’s the third fire blight–resistant pear developed by horticulturist Richard Bell, bred from Max Red Bartlett parentage to deliver classic Bartlett-style flavor with significantly improved disease resistance. Large, smooth, juicy, and sweet with up to five months of refrigerated storage life, Shenandoah is an outstanding choice for home orchardists in Zones 5–8 who want premium quality and reliable performance.

Classic Bartlett-Style Flavor With Modern Resilience

Shenandoah’s flavor profile is rooted in the Bartlett tradition — smooth, juicy flesh with a sweet, pleasant sub-acid balance that’s rich and satisfying without being overpowering. The large fruit features attractive green skin with a soft 10–25% red blush at harvest, ripening in September for a dependable early fall harvest. It comes from Max Red Bartlett parentage, carrying that beloved Bartlett flavor forward with the added benefits of modern disease resistance breeding.

Up to Five Months of Refrigerated Storage

Shenandoah’s storage life is one of its most compelling practical qualities. Kept under proper refrigeration, the fruit holds for up to five months without breaking down — a remarkable quality that extends a September harvest well into winter and early spring. That kind of storage performance makes Shenandoah as practical as it is delicious.

Third in a Fire Blight–Resistant Series

Fire blight is the most serious threat to pear trees, and Shenandoah was specifically bred to address it. As the third fire blight–resistant pear from horticulturist Richard Bell’s USDA/Ohio State program, it represents years of refinement toward practical, reliable disease resistance for home growers. No pear variety is fully immune, but Shenandoah’s improved resistance meaningfully reduces maintenance concerns in regions where fire blight pressure is high.

Why Growers Choose Shenandoah

• USDA/Ohio State University breeding — developed through one of the premier pear programs
• Classic Bartlett-type flavor — smooth, juicy, sweet with pleasant sub-acid balance
• Up to 5 months of refrigerated storage — exceptional keeping quality for a September harvest
• Strong fire blight resistance — third in Richard Bell’s resistant pear series
• Large, attractive fruit — green skin with soft red blush at harvest
• Vigorous and productive — reliable crops in Zones 5–8