About
Pyrus communis (F) is a sizable, upright deciduous tree that may feature occasional thorns. It showcases glossy, dark green foliage. In mid-spring, it produces clusters of white flowers, which give way to edible fruit that ranges from pear-shaped to spherical and can reach lengths of up to 10 cm, transitioning from green to yellow as they ripen. Numerous cultivated varieties have emerged from this species, typically exhibiting smaller sizes and a reduced likelihood of thorns.
About the genus
Pyrus consists of deciduous trees and shrubs characterized by oval-shaped leaves. In the spring, these plants produce fragrant white flowers, which are succeeded by green or brown fruits. Some species bear fruits that are suitable for consumption.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Fruit Edible, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens
- Native to
- Europe, Asia Minor.
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Needs a deep, fertile, moist but well-drained, fairly neutral soil in a sheltered, sunny position. Will not thrive on very acid soils, shallow chalk soils or with shade for more than half the day. See Pears or pear cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Thin fruit in late spring or early summer to improve size and quality. See fruit thinning. Regular pruning required; prune cordons and other restricted forms in summer and all trees in winter. Further pruning advice: pruning new pear trees, summer pear pruning, winter pear pruning, renovating pear trees, pruning established fans
- Propagation
- Propagate by grafting or budding onto a clonal rootstock for fruit. Fruit grown from pips will not normally resemble the parent
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, codling moth, pear blister mite, pear midge and pear and cherry slugworm
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to blossom wilt, brown rot, fireblight, pear scab, European pear rust and honey fungus (rarely)