August 1996
Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 30 to 40 feet
Spread: 20 to 35 feet
Shape: Upright
White flowers cover the tree in the spring; summer foliage is glossy green and turns dark red in fall.
Zone: 4 to 8
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Moist or dry
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 7.0
Suggested uses for this plant include street tree, shade, border, and specimen plant.
Plant trees that have balled and
burlapped
roots in late winter or early spring.
Smaller sizes are best for planting.
Tolerant of all but wet or very poor soils.
Prefers a sunny location.
Prune in late winter or early spring, as needed.
Has few pests.
Somewhat resistant to fire blight.
Narrow crotch (branch) angles make trees
susceptible to storm damage.
Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Cultivars of PYRUS CALLERYANA:
`Bradford' is a popular cultivar but it has
weak, narrow crotch angles.
`Aristocrat' branches are more horizontal.
`Redspire' is a cultivar that has a pyramidal
form.
`Capital' is an upright, pyramidal cultivar.
Its spring flowers, glossy summer foliage,
and
deep fall color make this a desirable plant.
It is an excellent lawn, specimen plant, or
street tree.
Pyramidal when young, it becomes upright or
rounded with age.
The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered
through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are
available through your local Extension office or
directly from:
Virginia Tech
Extension Distribution Center
112 Landsdowne St.
Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-611 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Flowering
Trees
This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the
Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg
Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content
Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.