Pear (Asian), Hosui Asian, Bare Root

Pear (Asian), Hosui (Pyrus pyrifolia 'Hosui')

Hosui is a standout Asian pear variety prized for its complex, aromatic flavor, extra-juicy flesh, and signature golden-bronze skin with a russeted finish. Its name means "abundant water" in Japanese — a fitting description of its intense juiciness. The medium to large round fruits ripen in mid to late August and offer a firm yet melting texture that’s excellent for fresh eating. Compared to other Asian pears, Hosui has a more complex flavor — sweet with a subtle spice and floral undertone.

A vigorous, partially self-fertile tree, Hosui produces best when planted with another Asian pear variety like 20th Century, Shinseiki, or Chojuro for cross-pollination. It thrives in USDA Zones 5–9, performs best in full sun and well-drained soil, and offers early-spring blooms that are highly attractive to pollinators. Hosui is an excellent addition to food forests, orchard guilds, and regenerative plantings where flavor, pollinator support, and reliable fruit production are valued.

Key Characteristics

• Rich flavor and juicy, crisp texture
  Hosui stands out among Asian pears for its balanced, sweet flavor with mild spice and intense juiciness. The russeted bronze skin and aromatic flesh make it a favorite for fresh eating.
• Early harvest with long storage potential
  Ripens in mid to late August and stores well under refrigeration for several weeks without losing its crunch — making it ideal for succession planting alongside earlier or later ripening pears.
• Partially self-fertile, best with a pollination partner
  Can fruit on its own but yields are significantly improved with cross-pollination. Best planted with compatible varieties such as 20th Century, Shinseiki, or Chojuro.
• Pollinator-supporting spring blossoms
  Early-season white blooms attract bees and beneficial insects. A beautiful and functional addition to orchard ecosystems.
• Strong performer in regenerative systems
  With upright form and moderate size, Hosui integrates well into food forests, orchard guilds, and edible landscapes. Pair with deep-rooted dynamic accumulators and flowering herbs for increased productivity and pest resilience.

Product Details

• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Bloom time: Early spring
• Bloom color: White
• Fruit qualities: Medium to large, bronze-russeted skin, crisp and juicy flesh, sweet with mild spice
• Fruit uses: Fresh eating, salads, light preserving
• Fruit ripening month: Mid to late August
• Required chill hours: ~400–600
• Pollination requirements: Partially self-fertile; best with another Asian pear nearby
• Pollination partners: 20th Century, Shinseiki, Chojuro, Ya Li
• USDA Hardiness zones: 5–9

With its rich flavor, crisp bite, and late summer harvest, Hosui is a go-to Asian pear for growers who want exceptional taste and dependable yields. It's a top-tier choice for food forests and diverse orchard systems.