POTOMAC european pear SEMI-DWARF (OHxF87)

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🍐 Main characteristics

• The “Potomac” cultivar is described as “Potomac European Pear – Pyrus communis ‘Potomac’.” 
• It is primarily intended for fresh consumption, but can also be used for processing (purees, sauces, etc.). 
• Harvest period: according to one commercial website, around August 20 to September 10 for a semi-dwarf rootstock. 
• Fruit: bright light green skin, fine flesh, “buttery” flavor, slightly sub-acidic. 
• Disease resistance: good resistance to fire blight mentioned as an asset. 
• Hardiness and zone: zones 5 to 9.
• Adult size: one website indicates a height and width of approximately “12-15 ft (≈3.5-4.5 m)” under these conditions. 
• Pollination: needs another European Pear variety nearby in order to produce fruit.

✅ Strengths & ⚠️ Things to watch out for

Strengths

• High-quality flavor, pleasant “buttery/sub-acidic” flesh.
• Good resistance to bacterial blight, which is an advantage in humid climates.
• Relatively early mid-season harvest (useful trait for northern climates).

Things to watch out for

• Hardiness may be limited in zones colder than 5. If your zone is 4b, provide winter protection or a favorable location (sheltered, southwest).
• Requires another European pear tree for pollination.
• Like all European pear trees, susceptible to certain problems such as scab, pear fly attacks, and even excess moisture.
• The right harvest time is important: picking too late can affect quality.