Dwarf Invincible delwinor pear, rootstock quince C, pollinator group C2 although self fertile, bare root. This is a maiden tree which means that it has a strong 'leader' (central branch/trunk) which grows up through the centre of the young tree.
Known as a Butter Pear due to it's excellent texture and lack of grittiness that some varieties can have. Good for cooking and eating. It has a good flavour and produces 2 sets of blossom each year which gives a long cropping period as long as Jack Frost doesn't get the first blossoms. It is fully hardy and would need a sunny but sheltered position.
We think that the smallest container or planter you should use is 45cm in diameter and depth to start off with and then re-pot in a couple of years to about 50cm. Think about good drainage (pot feet for example) for the winter as fruit trees in containers could get soggy, but just as important think about some form of water conservation for the summer. Dwarf fruit trees need regular watering, so things like pebbles over mulch or newspaper are a good way of keeping the water in the planter and avoiding evaporation.
Where to place your tree?
Dwarf fruit trees will always grow and crop better in the ground because they can access more water and nutrients. However, with attention you can grow and crop a very successful and satisfying tree. Once mature your Dwarf Invincible plum tree will be: 1.3-1.8m tall with a spread of 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft), so you'll need to think about the shade this will cast and also to make sure that you leave enough space for the branches to grow well. If you are limited in spread, you might want to consider creating a cordon or espalier (click here for more info on this). With these methods you train the tree into specific shapes by reducing the number of branches. It likes semi-moist conditions in a range of soil types. Well drained clay, loamy or sandy.
How to make sure you have fruit
In the first instance treat your tree well and follow the instructions available on the card or online. In the first growing season rub the fruit off, it is heart breaking, but it will allow the tree to keep the energy it would have used and will make it both stronger and more likely to give good crops in subsequent years. This variety is suitable for colder areas and is more resistant to frost.
Pollination, is important but can get overly complicated. In most suburban areas there will be enough pollen in the air due to the proximity of other gardens. It is not always necessary to have pollinators if the bees and other pollinating insects are generous with their visits (see herbs and flowers for colourful edible plants to attract them). However if you are concerned, we have labelled our trees C1 through C5. This code is based upon the flowering time of that variety. To choose a pollinator partner choose another tree of either the same or of 1 more or 1 less. This plant is reasonably self-fertile but will fruit better with a pollinator (i.e. a different fruit tree blossoming at the same time).
It is better not to plant around the base of the tree as it does not like the competition, you could however use pot toppers, coloured gravel or plant herbs in pots and sink into the compost around the tree if you'd like to dress it.
All of our trees are grown in the UK (Midlands) to the highest standards, and extra advice is always available if you'd like it.
Image is for illustration only.