Flowering Pear Trees
Planting Guide
Plant sweet peas for bouquets of delightful blooms. Lily of the valley is a sweet, shade-loving perennial that can be planted now from “pips” available at the nursery. Forsythia, with its bright yellow flowers, is one of the first shrubs to bloom in the spring. Plant one in a sunny spot where you can enjoy its cheery flowers. Potatoes can be planted any time now. Choose from red, white, yellow, and blue varieties.
Flowering Pear Trees
Some of the first trees to bloom in the spring are the flowering pears. Clusters of snowy white pear blossoms cover the trees for several weeks as they announce the coming of spring. Tall and stately, these ornamental trees offer beauty throughout the growing season.
Varieties
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Bradford Pear
The best-known ornamental pear, a cultivar tracing its roots to Korea and China. The original seedling tree was brought to this country in 1919 and became popular in the 1960s as a street tree. Unfortunately, its narrow branch angles make it susceptible to storm damage, leading to the development of newer, sturdier varieties.
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Aristocrat
Replaces ‘Bradford,’ growing to 40 feet tall and 28 feet wide. Pyramidal in shape with open, spreading branches. Dark green leaves turn deep red in the fall.
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Chanticleer
A fairly narrow, upright tree maturing to 35 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Glossy green leaves turn red, yellow, and orange in fall. Highly resistant to fireblight.
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Redspire
A rounder form reaching 35 feet tall and 25 feet wide. Features larger flowers and glossy green foliage that turns red, yellow, and orange simultaneously in fall.
Care and Planting
- Plant in sunny locations with room for symmetrical crown development.
- Adaptable to various soils but prefer well-drained, near-neutral, or slightly acidic soil.
- Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizer.
- Tolerant of heat, drought, and compacted soil.
- Produces tiny fruit, typically eaten by birds in winter.
Ornamental pears are susceptible to fireblight (causing blackened leaves and branch tips), though newer varieties like ‘Chanticleer’ show high resistance. With spring flowers, glossy summer foliage, and vibrant fall colors, these trees are excellent for lawns or streets. Select a hardy, disease-resistant cultivar to enjoy breathtaking blooms and flaming fall colors for years.