Genus Pyrus (Pear)

Pyrus 'Nijiseiki' Photo/Illustration: Delilah Smittle

PY-rus

Common Name: Pear

The genus Pyrus contains 45 or so species of upright trees and shrubs from Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They have attractive, white or pink, 5-petaled flowers that are sometimes unpleasantly scented. Fruit can be round or, obviously, pear-shaped and many cultivars have been bred specifically to produce food crops. Grow the ornamental species as specimens or at roadside, or in a small garden or as an espalier.
Noteworthy characteristics: Various species have good autumn color or delicious fruit. Some can be espaliered. Adaptable to various soil types.
Care: Grow in full sun. Tolerates most any fertile, well-drained soil.
Propagation: Sow seed in fall; bud in summer; graft in winter.
Problems: Caterpillars, leaf roller, blister mites, aphids, scale insects, anthracnose, dieback, canker, scab, powdery mildew, fireblight.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Pyrus

Pyrus ×
(Asian pear) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This easy-to-grow, pest-resistant pear resembles a Bradford pear in size and shape, with profuse white blooms in spring and great crisp fruit. There are 30 cultivars.