Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Pyrus communis ‘Passe Colmar’

‘Fruit middle-sized, obconical, flattened at the crown, about three inches and a half long, and three inches in diameter. Eye open, slightly sunk. Stalk one inch and a half long, strong, inserted in an oblique obtusely-angled cavity. Skin green, when ripe becoming yellowish, and sprinkled with russet, and if well exposed having a considerable tinge of red; the surface is somewhat uneven, with some slight longitudinal furrows running from the stalk end. Flesh yellowish, melting, juicy, very rich, and most excellent. In perfection in December and January.’ [George Lindley – Orchard Guide p.404/1831].

Horticultural & Botanical History

It was raised by M. Hardenpont at Mons in 1758. The large number of synonyms attests to the popularity of this pear. It was known as Chapman’s pear in the London markets after the person who introduced it to England.

‘From its ripening late, bearing most abundantly, and possessing a peculiarly rich and agreeable flavour, this Pear has become a universal favourite, and deservedly. It was raised in Flanders by a M. Hardenpont, to whom, in conjunction with Dr. Van Mons, and some others of his countrymen, we are indebted for several very excellent varieties of the Pear.

With regard to the numerous synonyms which we have quoted, we are disposed to think that they are all referable to one and the same thing. It is true that, according to Van Mons, the origin of some of them is different; but, even supposing this to be true, and not a mistake, yet as it is impossible to distinguish them by any one character of either wood, fruit, or period of maturity, it is useless to continue to speak of them as distinct.

At the period when so large an introduction took place of Pears from Flanders, some cuttings of this variety fell into the hands of a market-gardener of the name of Chapman, by whom it has been sold extensively as “Chapman’s Pear”’’ [PM t.64/1829 ]. Also Figured in Pears of New York [p.206/1821], the Herefordshire Pomona [HP pl.XXXVI/1878] and Saint-Hilaire [pl.90/1828].

‘Passe Colmar: colour brownish yellow; form obovate; size large; quality excellent.  In use during April to June, and with good management much longer.  It is one of the most popular winter pears, on account of its excellent flavour, vigorous growth, and abundant bearing.’  [NHM vol.1 p79/1864].  

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1845 catalogue as ‘Passe Colmar’, and in 1850 and 1857 as ‘Colmar’ [Pear no.12/1845]. These are different pears. It seems likely that ‘Colmar’ was intended but both have been included in the Hortus. There is no diary entry for this pear.

Notes

Published May 17, 2010 - 04:34 PM | Last updated Jul 22, 2011 - 03:09 PM

Figured are 2 pears with yellow skin plus a pear sectioned to show the white flesh. Pears of New York p.206, 1821.

Pear ‘Passe Colmar’ | Pears of New York p.206/1821 | BHL

 

Family Rosaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, Belgium

Synonyms
  • Passe Colmar Doré
  • Colmar Doré
  • Passe Colmar Épineux
  • Colmar Épineux
  • Passe Colmar Gris
  • Colmar Gris
  • Colmar d’Hardenpont
  • Colmar Preul
  • Preul
  • Colmar Bonnet
  • Chapman’s Passe Colmar
  • Chapman’s, Beurré d’Argense
  • Cellite
  • Fondante de Paniset
  • Fondant de Mons
  • Gambier
  • Maratte Sucré
  • Précel
  • Presént de Malines
  • Pucellé
  • Condesienne,
  • Régentine
  • Roi de Bavière
  • Souverain
  • Souverain d’Hiver.

 

Common Name

Dessert Pear, winter

Name in the Camden Park Record

Passe Colmar

Colmar

 

Confidence level low