How to Grow Bradford Pear - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Bradford pear is a plant that is native to china and japan. it is an ornamental plant that is often used in landscaping. the bradford pear is a deciduous tree that can grow to be 30 feet tall. the leaves of the bradford pear are ovate shaped and are 2-4 inches long. the flowers of the bradford pear are white and have a diameter of 1-2 inches. the fruit of the bradford pear is a small, round, black fruit that is 1-2 inches in diameter.

How to Grow Bradford Pear - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Pyrus calleryana
  • Callery pear
  • Bradford pear
  • Ornamental pear
  • Flowering pear

Basic info

  • The Bradford pear is a deciduous tree that is native to eastern Asia.
  • It is named after William Bradford, who introduced the tree to the United States in 176
  • The Bradford pear is a popular choice for landscaping because of its showy white flowers and glossy green leaves.
  • The tree can grow to a height of 40 feet and has a spread of 20 feet.
  • The Bradford pear is susceptible to a number of diseases, including fire blight and powdery mildew.
  • The tree also produces a fruit that is not edible by humans but is popular with birds.
  • The Bradford pear is considered an invasive species in some parts of the United States.
  • The tree is also known by the names of Callery pear and Chinese pear.
  • The Bradford pear was the most popular tree planted in the United States in the 1990s.
  • The Bradford pear is not recommended for planting in areas where it is not native due to its invasiveness.

Related plant:
Bradford Pear Tree

Growing Steps

  1. For bradford pear, first step is to find a location where the tree will get full sun and has well-drained soil.
  2. Once you have found the perfect spot, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
  3. Place the tree in the hole and fill it with soil, tamping it down around the roots as you go.
  4. Water the tree deeply and regularly for the first few months, until it is established.
  5. Fertilize the tree each spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  6. Prune the tree annually to shape it and remove any damaged or diseased branches.
  7. Enjoy the beauty of your bradford pear tree for many years to come!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the Bradford pear is adaptable to both dry and moist conditions and prefers well-drained soils. It is not tolerant of shade. This tree is also tolerant of salt, making it a good choice for coastal areas. The Bradford pear is fast-growing and can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet within 10 years.

Light requirement

So, like the other pear trees, the Bradford pear tree needs full sun in order to thrive. It should be planted in an area of your yard that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in a warmer climate, you can get away with planting the Bradford pear tree in an area that gets a little less sun.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature is perfect for Bradford pear trees. They need a chilling period to produce fruit, so the cool weather we've been having is perfect for them. The trees are starting to bloom and the fruit is starting to form. It's going to be a good year for pears!

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40% to 60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will begin to drop and the plant will become stressed. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will begin to yellow and the plant will be more susceptible to fungal diseases.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant ’s roots are the first to benefit from extra nutrients. The roots are constantly growing and expanding, anchoring the plant in the ground and taking in water and minerals from the soil. A good root system is vital to the health and vigor of any plant.

Light requirement

Pruning bradford pears is an important part of keeping these trees healthy and strong. Without proper pruning, bradford pears can become overgrown and weak. When pruning bradford pears, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. This will help the tree to focus its energy on healthy growth. Prune also any branches that are rubbing against each other, as this can damage the bark. Always use sharp pruning shears when pruning bradford pears, as this will help to prevent damage to the tree.

About Propagating

Propagation of the bradford pear is generally done by rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still soft, and they should be about 6 inches long. The cuttings should be placed in a rooting medium, such as perlite or sand, and kept moist until they develop roots. Once the roots have developed, the plants can be transplanted into pots or into the ground.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is dependent on the age of the tree and the growing conditions. In general, young trees grow faster than older trees. The growth rate also varies depending on the amount of sun, water, and nutrients available to the tree. Trees that are well-nourished and have plenty of sunlight tend to grow faster than those that are lacking in these resources.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant trees are root rot and fire blight. Root rot is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the tree, causing them to rot. Fire blight is caused by a bacterial infection that causes the leaves and branches of the tree to wilt and die.

List to Know

  • If you live in an area with cold winters, it's important to choose a variety of Bradford pear that is cold hardy.
  • Plant your Bradford pear in a sunny location.
  • Amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
  • Space your Bradford pear trees at least 15 feet apart.
  • Water your trees deeply and regularly during the first growing season.
  • Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of each tree.
  • Fertilize your Bradford pear trees annually with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your trees annually to encourage a strong branching structure.
  • Protect your trees from deer with a deer-resistant fencing.
  • Scout your trees regularly for signs of insect or disease pests and treat accordingly.

You May Like

  • Bradfords Fuchsia (fuchsia bradfordensis)
  • Bradford Florets variabilis (bracteantha variabilis)
  • Bradford Holly (ilex x attenuata 'bradford')
  • Bradford Holly (ilex x attenuata)
  • Bradford Plum (prunus x cistena)
  • Bradford Quince (chaenomeles x superba 'bradford')
  • Bradford Quince (chaenomeles x superba)
  • Bradford Thorn (crataegus bradfordensis)
  • Bradford's Apricot (prunus armeniaca 'bradfordis')
  • Bradley's Pepper (capsicum annuum 'bradley')

Source:
Pyrus calleryana (Bradford Pear, Callery 'Bradford' Pear, Callery Pear ...
Invasive Bradford pear, 3 other species to be banned for sale in SC
ENH-695/ST537: Pyrus calleryana: 'Bradford' Callery Pear

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category