Marguerite Marillat pear trees

Marguerite Marillat is a traditional pear raised by Mr Marillat, a nurseryman from the Lyon area of south-east France in the 1870s. It is named after his wife.

This is not the most attractive-looking of pears - the large fruits are usually a bit mis-shapen - but they make up for it with their melting juicy sweet flesh.

Marguerite Marillat is quite easy to grow and is usually a regular bearer.