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TreesFruit Edible

Pyrus pyrifolia

Asian pear

An upright, deciduous tree to 10m, with white blossom in mid-spring followed by spherical fruit 4cm across with golden-brown skin. Initially hard and gritty, fruit is crisp and juicy when fully ripe, and is suitable for cooking or eating fresh

Other common names
Chinese pear
Japanese pear
see morenashi
sand pear
Synonyms
Pyrus serotina
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in a seedbed in autumn, or by chip budding in late summer, or grafting in mid-winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, codling moth, pear blister mite, pear midge and pear and cherry slugworm

Diseases

May be susceptible to blossom wilt, brown rot, fireblight, pear scab, European pear rust and honey fungus (rarely)

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