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Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'

Image of Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Rosaceae

Botanical Name

Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'

Plant Common Name

Bradford Pear, Callery Pear

General Description

Callery pear is an upright deciduous tree native to eastern Asia. It is grown for its profusion of early, white, fetid flowers, and for its shiny foliage which turns red-purple in fall. 'Bradford' is a ubiquitous pyramidal cultivar introduced by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1963. Its branches are susceptible to splitting during wind and ice storms.

Callery pear prefers full sun and fertile soil but will accept almost any soil type. A great specimen tree, it is also tough enough for street tree use. New growth sometimes is slightly thorny.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 3

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    30'-50' / 9.1m - 15.2m

  • Width

    20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring

  • Native To

    Eastern Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Drought, Salt, Soil Compaction

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Pyramidal

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Fruit Color

    Sandy Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Red, Burgundy

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Shade Trees, Street Trees

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    No