University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Tree

Callery Pear
Pyrus calleryana

Callery Pear, form of the cultivar 'Bradford'
Callery Pear, form of the cultivar 'Bradford'
 
Features
White flowers in spring; shiny green summer foliage; purple-red fall color. 
 
Culture
Full sun; moist, well drained soil, but tolerates some dryness. 
 
Cultivars

Many, including

  • 'Aristocrat'-less prone to branch breaking, has good fall color, is more susceptible to fireblight.
  • 'Autumn Blaze'-excellent fall color, more rounded habit, susceptible to fireblight.
  • 'Bradford'-excellent fall color, very prone to branch breakage, resistant to fireblight.
  • 'Chanticleer' ('Cleveland Select')- excellent fall color, narrow pyramidal shape, less prone to branch breakage, resistant to fireblight.
  • 'Redspire'-fall color more yellow than red, has oval form, less prone to branch breakage, very susceptible to firebight.
 
 
Mature Height
30-40 Feet
 
Size
Medium
 
 
Mature Form
Pyramidal (but varies by cultivar) 
 
Native To:
China 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8 
 
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
 
 
Tolerance
Dry Sites
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
 
 
Uses
Shade
Specimen
Street
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Purple
Red
 
 
Pests and Problems
 
Additional Notes

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic