Pyrus

Pyrus - New Zealand’s Best Ornamental Pear Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Pyrus, Flowering Pears, and Ornamental Pears, and we have the right one for your space. Our trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Pyrus trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Pyrus

1. How tall do Pyrus trees grow?

The height of Pyrus trees varies depending on the species and cultivar. Some Pyrus trees can grow up to 50 feet (15 meters) tall, while others may only reach 10 feet (3 meters) in height.

Here are some examples of different Pyrus species and their typical height ranges:

• Common pear (Pyrus communis): 20-50 feet (6-15 meters)
• Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana): 20-40 feet (6-12 meters)
• Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'): 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
• Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia): 15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters)
• Flowering pear (Pyrus x floribunda): 10-25 feet (3-7.5 meters)

2. Is Pyrus Chanticleer fast growing?

Yes, Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' is considered a fast-growing ornamental pear tree. It can grow up to 13 to 24 inches (33 to 61 cm) per year, reaching a mature height of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 m) in about 20 years. However, growth rates can vary depending on the planting site, soil conditions, and climate.

Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' is a popular choice for landscaping and hedging due to its rapid growth rate, attractive pyramid-shaped form, and colorful autumn foliage that turns a vibrant red. It is also relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions and sun exposure.

3. Is Pyrus an evergreen?

The genus Pyrus includes both evergreen and deciduous species. Some of the most well-known evergreen Pyrus species include:

• Pyrus kawakamii (Evergreen Pear): This species is native to Taiwan and is known for its glossy, dark green leaves that remain on the tree throughout the year. It produces clusters of fragrant white flowers in the spring and bright red berries in autumn.
• Pyrus ussuriensis (Ornamental Pear): This species is native to northeastern Asia and is also appreciated for its evergreen foliage. It has a compact pyramidal shape and produces white flowers in the spring followed by small, red berries in autumn.
• Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer': This cultivar of the Callery pear is a popular choice for landscaping due to its fast growth rate, pyramid-shaped form, and colorful autumn foliage. It is considered semi-evergreen, meaning that it may retain some of its leaves during the winter, but it will typically lose most of its foliage in colder climates.

In contrast, some Pyrus species are deciduous, meaning that they lose their leaves in the fall. Examples of deciduous Pyrus species include:

• Pyrus communis (Common Pear): This species is the source of most edible pears and is known for its large, heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow, orange, or red in autumn.
• Pyrus serotina (American Serviceberry): This species is native to eastern North America and is known for its white flowers in the spring and edible berries that ripen in late summer.
• Pyrus malus (Apple): This species is the source of most edible apples and is known for its rounded leaves that turn yellow, orange, or red in autumn.

So, whether or not a Pyrus tree is evergreen or deciduous depends on the specific species or cultivar.

4. What is the best ornamental pear for screening?

There are many ornamental pear trees that can be used for screening, but some of the best include:

• Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’: This cultivar is a popular choice for screening due to its fast growth rate, pyramid-shaped form, and colorful autumn foliage. It can grow up to 10 m tall and 7 m wide, and it is relatively low-maintenance.
• Pyrus ussuriensis: This species is native to northeastern Asia and is also a good choice for screening. It has a more compact growth habit than Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer,’ and it is less likely to produce fruit.
• Pyrus betulifolia (Mountain Ash): This species is native to North America and is known for its white flowers in the spring and red berries in the fall. It can grow up to 10 m tall and 7 m wide, and it is relatively disease-resistant.
• Pyrus fraseri (Fraser's Pear): This species is native to the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its glossy, dark green leaves and white flowers in the spring. It can grow up to 15 m tall and 10 m wide, and it is relatively shade-tolerant.

5. What is the fastest growing ornamental pear tree?

The fastest-growing ornamental pear tree is the Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’). It can grow up to 60 cm per year, reaching a mature height of 6 to 9 m. However, its rapid growth rate can also make it susceptible to structural weaknesses and breakage, especially in severe weather conditions.

Here are some other fast-growing ornamental pear trees:

• Cleveland Select pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Cleveland Select’): This cultivar is a cross between the Bradford pear and the Callery pear. It is known for its fast growth rate, pyramid-shaped form, and colorful autumn foliage.
• Aristocrat pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Aristocrat’): This cultivar is another cross between the Bradford pear and the Callery pear. It is known for its rounded shape, glossy green leaves, and spectacular autumn colors in yellows and reds.
• Chanticleer pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’): This cultivar is a sport of the Bradford pear. It is known for its fast growth rate, upright habit, and attractive pyramid-shaped form.
• Autumn Blaze pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Autumn Blaze’): This cultivar is known for its brilliant red autumn foliage. It is also a relatively fast-growing tree, reaching a mature height of 6 to 9 m.

6. Can I plant a pear tree close to my house?

Planting a pear tree too close to your house can pose several risks:

1. Root damage: Pear trees have extensive root systems that can grow several feet deep and spread out beyond the canopy of the tree. Planting the tree too close to your house can cause the roots to invade the foundation or sewer lines, leading to cracks, leaks, and other structural damage.
2. Foundation settlement: The weight of a mature pear tree and its expansive root system can put excessive pressure on the soil near your foundation, potentially causing it to settle or heave. This can lead to cracks in walls, uneven floors, and other structural issues.
3. Limb damage: As the pear tree grows, its branches can extend close to your house, increasing the risk of damage during storms or high winds. Branches rubbing against the house can cause scratches or damage to siding, gutters, or roofing materials.
4. Leaf and fruit accumulation: Fallen leaves and fruit from the pear tree can accumulate near your house, creating a messy and potentially hazardous situation. The decaying organic matter can attract pests like insects and rodents, and it can also clog gutters and drains.
5. Shading issues: A large pear tree planted close to your house can cast significant shade, potentially blocking sunlight from reaching windows and reducing the amount of natural light in your home. This can affect indoor lighting, plant growth, and the overall ambiance of your living space.

To avoid these risks, it is recommended to plant pear trees at least 5 to 7 metres away from your house.