PYRUS calleryana (Ornamental Pear)

Ornamental Pear (Pyrus calleryana) is the deciduous avenue tree landscape projects keep coming back to, and this one is supplied ex ground as an advanced specimen rather than a young potted tree. It reaches about 10m tall and 6m across, covers itself in white blossom before the leaves appear, then turns crimson and burgundy in autumn. The roots are well behaved, which is why it ends up in streetscapes and driveways.

Why you'll love it

• Instant scale. This is a field grown tree at advanced size, so the planting reads as established on the day it goes in rather than in ten years.
• Two seasons of display. A dense white blossom in late winter to early spring, then reliable crimson and burgundy autumn colour.
• Non-invasive roots. The root system is well behaved for a tree of this height, which makes it a safer choice near driveways, paths and services.
• Tough across most of the country. Frost hardy, drought tolerant, heat tolerant, wind tolerant and content in poor soil once it is away.

Where it works best

Driveways and avenues. Plant 3m apart for a formal avenue or a deciduous screen. At that spacing the canopies knit into a continuous line while each tree keeps its upright shape.

Feature planting. A single advanced tree on a lawn or at an entry carries a whole frontage, and the winter framework is as good looking as the blossom.

Seasonal screening. A row gives dense cover through the warm months when you are outside, then opens up and lets winter light through.

Growing Ornamental Pear in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, in cool temperate, warm temperate, subtropical and Mediterranean gardens. Autumn colour is strongest where nights get cold, so expect a longer, redder display in Melbourne, Canberra and the tablelands than in coastal Queensland.

Soil. It handles clay, sand and poor ground provided water moves away. On a badly drained site, sit the root ball slightly proud of the surrounding level and add coarse gravel underneath.

Water and feed. Water once a week for the first month, roughly 150L to 200L per tree, then fortnightly for six weeks. After establishment it needs very little. These trees are pre-treated for vigour and need no fertiliser at planting.

Pruning. Prune in late winter while bare. Thin crowded interior branches and remove any narrow forks, since tight branch angles are the main structural weakness in this species.

What to expect when it arrives

This is sold in one size, an advanced 5m ex ground tree, currently on backorder for the next lift. It is field grown, root pruned and supplied in a reinforced wire basket lined with hessian. Plant it in the basket to keep the root ball intact; the hessian and wire break down naturally in the soil.

Trees arrive basketed and strapped, and a crane truck can set them straight into pre-dug holes. Expect a bare or lightly leafed tree depending on the season. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, delivered Australia wide, with a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The complete ornamental pear care guide
• Top ten ornamental pear varieties compared
• Browse the full ex ground tree range
• Trees suited to driveways and avenues

Common questions

Do I plant the tree in its wire basket?

Yes. Always plant it basketed, because removing the wire breaks the root ball apart and sets the tree back badly. Both the hessian and the wire break down safely underground.

How far apart for an avenue?

Three metres apart gives a continuous canopy line while keeping the upright habit. For freestanding specimen trees, stretch that to 5m or 6m so each canopy develops evenly.

How much water does it need after planting?

Around 150L to 200L per tree once a week for the first month, then the same volume fortnightly for six weeks. After that, water only through extended dry periods.