Manchurian Pear

Manchurian Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) is the deciduous shade tree that earns its space twice a year. It reaches about 10m tall and 6m wide, smothers itself in white blossom before the leaves appear in spring, then turns brilliant red and purple in autumn. The roots are non-invasive, rare in a tree this size, and the main reason it is planted along driveways and near paving.

Why you'll love it

• Two seasons of display. A solid mass of white spring blossom on bare wood, then deep red and purple leaf colour before it drops for winter.
• Roots that stay out of trouble. Non-invasive by nature, so it can sit closer to driveways, paths and services than most 10m trees.
• Shade in summer, sun in winter. Being deciduous, it shades the house through the hot months and lets winter sun back through.
• Hardy once away. Frost hardy, wind tolerant, heat tolerant and drought tolerant once established, which suits exposed and inland blocks.

Where it works best

Driveways and avenues. Plant 6m to 8m apart for an even row where each crown keeps its shape. Tighter than 6m and the trees push each other sideways.

Shade tree for a lawn. A single specimen throws useful summer shade. Allow 6m of clearance from a house wall or fence line.

Windbreak. A row at 5m to 6m spacing filters wind across a paddock or open boundary. It is bare in winter, so pair it with evergreens for year round protection.

Growing Manchurian Pear in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, always. This is a tree for cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, where cold winters are a feature rather than a problem. In warm frost free districts it still grows well, but the autumn display is muted and shorter.

Soil. Adaptable, including clay, provided the site is not waterlogged for long periods. Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball, backfill with native soil, then mulch 75mm deep clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak weekly through the first two summers so the roots go down rather than sideways. After that it copes with dry spells, and a complete slow release fertiliser in early spring is plenty.

Pruning. Prune in winter while it is bare and the structure shows. Keep a single central leader, remove crossing branches, and lift the lower limbs gradually if you want to mow underneath.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in 300mm, 400mm and 500mm pots and in 45L, 100L and 200L sizes. The 300mm and 400mm trees are young and slender, usually a single stem with light branching, and they catch up quickly. From 45L upwards you buy real height and calliper on day one, and the 200L gives an established look immediately.

If it arrives between late autumn and early spring it will be leafless. That is dormancy, not damage. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The complete ornamental pear care guide
• Compare the ornamental pear varieties
• Browse trees and plants for autumn colour
• See the full deciduous tree range

Common questions

How far apart should I plant them along a driveway?

Space them 6m to 8m apart. That gives each crown room to reach its full 6m width, and the row still reads as continuous once mature.

Do I need frost for good autumn colour?

Cold nights sharpen it considerably. Cool temperate gardens get the deepest reds and purples, while warmer districts see softer tones over a shorter window.

Will the roots lift paving or block drains?

The root system is non-invasive, which is why it is a common street and driveway choice. Still leave 2m to 3m of clearance from paving and services as sensible practice.

Does it fruit, and is the fruit a problem?

It carries small hard fruit that is inedible for people. The drop is minor next to a fruiting pear, but worth noting over a paved entertaining area.