Pyrus calleryana aka Bradford Pear

Taxonomy

Pyrus calleryana, commonly known as the Callery pear, is a species of pear tree native to China and Vietnam. It belongs to the family Rosaceae and is widely planted throughout the United States, particularly the cultivar 'Bradford', although it is increasingly considered an invasive species. This deciduous tree typically grows to a height of 5 to 8 meters with a conical to rounded crown. The oval, glossy dark green leaves measure 4 to 8 cm in length and have slightly paler undersides that become visible in a breeze. In early spring, the tree produces abundant white flowers that are around 2 to 2.5 cm in diameter. The small, hard fruits are initially inedible due to their cyanide-laced seeds but become softened by frost and are consumed by birds, which disperse the seeds through droppings. During summer, the foliage is shiny and dark green, while in autumn, the leaves display a stunning array of colors including yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and bronze. The Callery pear is known for its resistance to diseases and fireblight, although certain cultivars like 'Bradford' are susceptible to storm damage. The species is named after Joseph-Marie Callery, a sinologue who introduced the tree to Europe from China. Another popular cultivar, 'Chanticleer', is a medium-sized tree with glossy dark green leaves that typically exhibit good autumn coloration. It produces abundant clusters of white flowers followed by small brown fruits.

Common names

Bradford Pear, Callery Pear, Ornamental Pear

How to care for Bradford Pear

Difficulty

Caring for Bradford Pear is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Bradford Pear should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bradford Pear loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Bradford Pear requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Callery Pear is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Bradford Pear grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Bradford Pear as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Bradford Pear’s native range is E. Asia - China, central and southern Japan.


More info:
Wikipedia