About
A deciduous shrub or small tree, with spiny branches and oval-shaped, glossy green leaves. Blossom is creamy white, sometimes flushed with pink, with a strong scent often described as unpleasant. Fruits are very small, round, and brownish-green, and are popular with birds.
About the genus
Pyrus are deciduous trees or shrubs with oval leaves and scented white flowers in spring, followed by green or brown fruits, edible in some species
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toW Mediterranean
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well drained soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by division, removing suckers during the dormant season. Plants are self-infertile, so viable seed is rarely produced
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)