Flowering Pear Tree Varieties

The pear tree comes to life every spring, and covers itself with beautiful clusters of white snowy flowers. No wonder every landscaper wants to use them to beautify the landscape. The pear comes from the genus Pyrus, and belongs to the same family as the apple, Maloideae. Flowering pear tree scientific name is Pyrus calleryana. The pear is native to China, from where it spread around the world and was cultivated into different varieties to suit different habitats. The pear tree is planted for its ornamental value as well as its fruit. Pear trees are easy to grow and maintain, and they are all deciduous trees.

Flowering Pear Varieties

One of the primary reasons why types of flowering pear trees are favored over other trees is its shape. Most varieties of white flowering pear trees have more of a pyramidal or an oval shape. As it does not tend to spread out wide, it requires lesser space. The fact that it is not exactly a shade tree, gives the gardener more scope to widen his creativity. Following are some varieties you can choose from.

Chanticleer Pear Tree
The Chanticleer pear grows upright up to 40 feet high with a spread 15 feet wide. This tree is considered as an improved version of the Bradford pear tree. In 2005, it was awarded the 'Urban Tree of the Year' by the Society of Municipal Arborists. Chanticleer pear tree is popular as a street tree, because it does not create a mess with its shedding. It bears beautiful white flowers in clusters in spring, changing its green leaves to a purplish red in early fall. The Chanticleer flowering pear tree is also known as Cleveland Select in many places.

Autumn Blaze Pear Tree
A tree that prominently figures is the Autumn blaze pear tree was introduced in 1980 by cultivators to ensure that the pear can thrive in zone 4. Unlike, other pear trees, Autumn Blaze is much less susceptible to breakage and winter damage. It is planted more for its fall foliage than white flowers. True to its name, the tree turns in hues of blaze in fall season, lasting as long as three weeks, and then turning a deep burgundy. It reaches the height of 30 feet when it reaches maturity with long slender horizontal branches.

Bradford Pear Tree
The list is just not complete without the Bradford pear tree. Bradford is the oldest pear tree, that grows well in light well drained soil and full sun. The only reason Bradford pear has fallen out of favor as compared to other pear varieties is that it is a structurally weak tree subject to breakage, especially during snowfall and heavy winds. It bears white flowers in early spring, with its dark green foliage turning to yellow in late fall. Cultivators are now trying hard to cultivate a tree that can withstand the heavy winds, and turn this once popular pear tree, a favorite again.

Aristocrat Pear Tree
Since its introduction in 1969, Aristocrat pear tree has become very popular, and it is one of the easiest one to find in most plant nurseries. It is a fast grower, broadly pyramidal shaped tree. This tree requires very little pruning, even when it has reached its mature height of 40 feet. Spring sees the tree covered with small white clusters of delicate flowers, followed by bright green sprouts of leaves that turn dark red or purple in fall.

Trinity Pear Tree
The Trinity pear is a new hybrid that only attains a height of about 20 feet. Its small size and tightly rounded form, makes it easier for many small space gardeners to enjoy its beauty without worrying about the space constraints. The tree bears smaller white flowers in clusters than other pears, with a fall color that ranges from hues of red and orange.

Varieties of flowering pear tree, with delicate flowers and fall foliage of purple, red and orange will sure make a pretty picture for your landscape.