An 'orchard grade' is a tree that may be somewhat shorter, slightly crooked, or a bit scratched, or for some other reason is not a perfect front lawn specimen. These trees will work just as well in an orchard as a first or number one would, since they still produce the very same fruit.

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