Flowering pears ( pyrus calleryana) are very fast growing trees used in many residential landscapes. They have showy white flowers that bloom early in the Spring before leaves appear. their pyramidal teardrop shape makes them easy to identify and they do well in the dense clay soil that is common in our area. Many varieties exist and a few are covered below.
Aristocrat Pear - zone5-9 - One of the larger varieties of pear that grows as wide as it does tall (25'-50') . Trunk and branches grow thicker & tree is not as susceptible to wind damage as Bradford. Purple/red leaves in the fall.
Bradford Pear - zone 5-9 - Cheapest and easiest to find of the pears & can grow to 40'. Sensitive to wind damage. After a certain age they tend to fall apart under the weight of ice from winter storms. Red purple or yellow in the fall. There are too many other readily available and better varieties to recommend this one.
Cleveland Select - 5-9 - A smaller pear tree (20' - 30') that tends to have more flowers than other varieties. Grows tighter and narrower than most ( to 15' width). Also has the advantage of bearing no fruit. Red and purple fall foliage. Our favorite among the pear trees.
Jack Pear - (Jaczam) - One of the smallest varieties. Dwarf Jack trees grow only to about 15' tall and is known for its improved disease resistance. Crimson red fall foliage.
Redspire Pear - 5-9 - Similar to Bradford in height (35' +), but grows in a narrower more defined shape. Larger flowers than other pears. Leaves have a slight red tinge to them - yellow and orange fall colors.
Autumn Blaze Pear - 4-9 - Distinguishable from other pears by its round spreading growth and may get as tall as 30' . Known mostly for its brilliant red fall color. It is the most cold weather tolerant of the callery pears and is much less prone to breakage & damage from winter storms.
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