About
Pyrus nivalis, the snow pear, is a small, sturdy, broadly conical tree with white, woolly young shoots, thornless branches and elliptical, grey-green leaves with white, hairy undersides. In spring it bears clusters of large, white blossom 3 cm across, followed in autumn by spherical, yellow-green fruits up to 4 cm across. A rewarding and 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
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens
Native toEurope and Turkey
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 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)