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Description
Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer, commonly known as Chanticleer pear or ornamental pear, is a deciduous tree native to China and Taiwan. It is widely cultivated for its attractive foliage, profuse white flowers, and ornamental fruit. The tree can grow up to 40 feet tall and 15 feet wide, with a conical shape and a dense canopy. Its leaves are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped, turning reddish-purple in autumn. The flowers are borne in clusters of five to seven, appearing in early spring before the leaves. They are pure white, fragrant, and attract bees and other pollinators. The fruit is a small, hard, brownish-yellow pome that persists through winter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Pyrus |
Appearance
Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer is a popular ornamental tree due to its attractive appearance. Its leaves are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped, with serrated edges. They can grow up to 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. In autumn, the leaves turn a reddish-purple color before falling off. The tree’s bark is smooth and gray, becoming rougher with age. The flowers are pure white, 1 inch in diameter, and appear in clusters of five to seven. They have a pleasant fragrance and attract bees and other pollinators. The fruit is a small, hard, brownish-yellow pome that is about 1/2 inch in diameter. It appears in late summer and persists through winter.
Care Guide
Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer is a relatively low-maintenance tree that can thrive in most soil types and climates. Here are some tips for caring for this tree:
Water
Water the tree regularly during its first year of growth to help establish its root system. After that, it can tolerate drought conditions and only needs to be watered during dry spells.
Fertilization
Fertilize the tree once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak branches.
Soil
Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer can grow in most soil types, but prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Avoid planting the tree in soil that is constantly wet, as this can lead to root rot.
Sunlight
The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Plant it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer is hardy in USDA zones 5-8. It can tolerate cold temperatures down to -20°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be susceptible to some issues. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this tree:
Fire blight
This bacterial disease can cause the tree’s leaves and branches to wilt and turn black. It is most common in warm, humid conditions and can be treated with antibiotics or by pruning affected branches.
Cedar apple rust
This fungal disease can cause the tree’s leaves to turn yellow and develop small, orange spots. It is most common in areas with cedar trees and can be prevented by removing infected leaves and planting the tree away from cedars.
Pear psylla
This insect pest can cause the tree’s leaves to curl and turn yellow. It can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer is native to China and Taiwan but is widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world. It can grow in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and urban areas. The tree prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer grow?
A: Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer is a relatively fast-growing tree that can grow up to 2 feet per year.
Q: When should I prune Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer?
A: Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
Q: Can Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer be grown in a container?
A: While Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer can technically be grown in a container, it is not recommended due to its large size and deep root system. It is best planted in the ground.
Q: How often should I water Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer?
A: Water the tree deeply once a week during its first year of growth, and then only during dry spells. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants in the Pyrus genus that are related to Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer:
- Pyrus communis (European pear)
- Pyrus pyrifolia (Asian pear)
- Pyrus ussuriensis (Ussurian pear)
- Pyrus x bretschneideri (Chinese white pear)
References
- “Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c840.
- “Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/142613/Pyrus-calleryana-Chanticleer/Details.
- “Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST547.
