Family: Rosaceae
Common Name: Pear

Native to temperate Eurasia and North Africa, this genus comprises around 30 species of deciduous trees, some of which are grown for their edible fruit and others for ornamental value. The ornamentals have glossy, green leaves which colour superbly in autumn and clusters of open, cup-shaped, white flowers, in spring. Any fruit is usually small and hard.

Species

P. calleryana, Callery or Chinese wild pear, is a pretty tree, 10-12 m (33-40 ft) high, with broad, oval leaves which give brilliant autumn colour. The pure white, spring blossom is very showy but has a slightly unpleasant odor.

P. salicifolia, willow leaf pear, is a tree, 8-10 m (26-33 ft) high, with slightly leathery, gray-green leaves. More popular than the species is the weeping P. s. 'Pendula', a superb specimen tree and ideal for small gardens.

P. ussuriensis, Manchurian pear, is a broad, cone-shaped tree, growing 12-15 m (40-50 ft). The shiny green foliage turns rich crimson in autumn. The tree is covered in white blossom in spring.

Cultivation

These hardy trees will grow in most soils, provided they have a sunny position, but require ample moisture and rich, deep soil to thrive. Bare-rooted trees are available in autumn and winter; container-grown plants may be planted out throughout the year. Propagate species from seed outdoors in autumn, cultivars by budding in summer, or by winter grafting.

Climate

Zone 4 for most species, zone 5 for P. callervana.