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Description
Pyrus Calleryana Bradford, also known as the Bradford pear, is a deciduous ornamental pear tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Asia and was introduced to North America in the early 1900s as an ornamental tree. It is well-known for its beautiful white flowers that bloom in early spring, and its striking red and yellow fall foliage. The tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide, with a pyramidal shape and a dense crown.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Pyrus |
Appearance
The Pyrus Calleryana Bradford has a dense crown and a pyramidal shape. It can grow up to 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide. The tree has smooth gray bark that becomes rough as it ages. It has glossy green leaves that turn red and yellow in the fall. The tree produces clusters of white flowers in early spring that have a strong fragrance. The flowers are followed by small green fruits that turn brown in the fall.
Care Guide
Water: Pyrus Calleryana Bradford needs regular watering, especially during its first year of growth. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, but can tolerate some drought once established.Fertilization: The tree can benefit from a balanced fertilizer in the spring, before new growth appears.Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Pyrus Calleryana Bradford prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The tree can grow in hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pyrus Calleryana Bradford can be susceptible to fire blight, a bacterial disease that causes the leaves and branches to wilt and turn black. The tree can also be affected by pear scab, a fungal disease that causes black spots on the leaves and fruit. The tree can also attract pests like aphids, scales, and spider mites.
Habitat
The Pyrus Calleryana Bradford is native to Asia, but can be found in a variety of habitats in North America, including parks, gardens, and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pyrus Calleryana Bradford grow in containers?A: While it is possible to grow the tree in a large container, it is not recommended for long-term growth.Q: When is the best time to prune Pyrus Calleryana Bradford?A: The best time to prune the tree is in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.Q: How fast does Pyrus Calleryana Bradford grow?A: The tree can grow up to 3 feet per year.Q: Can Pyrus Calleryana Bradford tolerate drought?A: While the tree can tolerate some drought once established, it prefers moist soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Rosaceae family:
- Pyrus communis (common pear)
- Pyrus pyrifolia (Asian pear)
- Malus (apple tree)
- Prunus (cherry tree)
References
- “Pyrus calleryana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org
- “Bradford Pear.” Clemson Cooperative Extension. Accessed September 2021. www.clemson.edu/extension/horticulture/landscape/selection/plant-material/trees/bradford-pear.html
- “Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed September 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st684
