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Plant Profiles / Ornamental pear
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Ornamental pear
Pyrus calleryana (e.g. 'Capital', 'Chanticleer') · Callery pear
A neat, upright deciduous tree with white spring blossom, glossy summer leaves and brilliant red-purple autumn colour. A favourite for narrow spaces.
Full sunLight
Weekly when youngWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Full sun for best blossom and autumn colour.
Water
Weekly when young
DryWet
Water while establishing; tolerant afterwards.
Humidity
Adaptable
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
-25–38°C (-13–100°F)
CoolWarm
Very cold hardy.
Growth
Moderate, upright tree
SlowFast
'Capital' 8 × 2 m; 'Chanticleer' 10 × 4 m.
Soil
Adaptable
LeanRich
Most well-drained soils.
Fertiliser
Spring
RarelyOften
Slow-release fertiliser in spring.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Considered non-toxic.
About this plant
Ornamental pears are grown for their tidy shape rather than fruit. 'Capital' is very narrow and columnar, ideal for screening; 'Chanticleer' is a broader pyramid. They're tough in urban conditions.
Best spots
Narrow side gardens, avenues, screening, courtyards and large pots.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Pyrus calleryana (e.g. 'Capital', 'Chanticleer') |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Origin | China (species) |
| Plant type | Deciduous tree |
| Mature size | 8–10 m |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Glossy green, red in autumn |
| Flowers | White blossom |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Grafting |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Autumn colour
Prune
Fertilise
FloweringAutumn colourPruneFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Fire blight (blackened shoots) | Prune out well below damage. |
| Split branches | Narrow crotches; prune young trees to strong structure. |
| Poor autumn colour | Too much shade. |
| Leaf spot | Improve airflow. |
| Unpleasant blossom smell | Normal for the species. |
Common questions
Does it produce fruit?
Small, inedible fruit at most.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes, a large one, for some years.
Which variety is narrowest?
'Capital'.
Is it invasive?
It can be in some regions; check locally.
