Pyrus pyraster
wild pear
A variable, upright, rounded or spreading shrub or small tree to 7m, with thorny branches and broadly oval, dark green foliage producing red, orange and yellow shades in autumn. Pink-edged, white blossom in mid- to late spring is followed by spherical green fruit, sometimes flushed with red, which is hard and inedible until it falls from the tree in late summer to early autumn, becoming softer and sweeter
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Orange Red | Green Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
- Plant range
- Europe, W Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Will grow in chalky soil
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
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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