About
Pyrus calleryana, the Callery pear, is a broadly conical, often thorny, deciduous tree up to 15 m with oval, glossy, dark-green leaves turning red in late autumn. Clusters of pure-white blossom open in early to mid-spring before the leaves, followed in autumn by small, brown, spherical fruits 1 cm across. A rewarding ornamental pear for a sunny, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Pyrus, the pears, are deciduous trees or shrubs with oval to lance-shaped leaves and clusters of white or pink, five-petalled flowers in spring, followed by green or brown, often edible, pear-shaped to spherical fruits. Popular ornamental and fruiting trees.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 14227,pyrus-communis-f,Pyrus communis (F),common pear,Pyrus communis (F)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in a seedbed in autumn, or by chip budding in late summer, or grafting in mid-winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, codling moth, pear blister mite, pear midge and pear and cherry slugworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to blossom wilt, brown rot, fireblight, pear scab, European pear rust and honey fungus (rarely)