All Species > Pyrus communis

Common Pear

Deciduous fruiting tree with beautiful flowers; coarse growth; challenging but rewarding.

Seasonal Care Guide

Placement & Seasonal Notes

  • Placement: Full sun
  • Notes: Requires full sun to encourage fruiting and reduce fungal issues.
  • Winter: Fully hardy but protect from late frosts during bud swell.
  • Summer: Water generously during dry periods.

Leaf Traits

  • Persistence: Deciduous
  • Form: Broadleaf

Watering & Fertilization

  • Watering: Moderate to high
  • Notes: Avoid letting soil dry out completely in fruiting season.
  • Season: Spring → Autumn
  • Fertilization: Balanced
  • Notes: Avoid high nitrogen to prevent coarse growth; use phosphorus for fruiting.

Training Techniques

  • Wiring: Spring or Autumn
  • Notes: Wire young shoots; mature wood snaps easily.
  • Pruning: Structural in early spring, maintenance after flowering
  • Notes: Prune just before bud swell; avoid heavy summer cuts.
  • Repotting: Every 2-3 years
  • Notes: Repot in early spring; avoid disturbing large roots.

Propagation

  • Method: Cuttings or seed
  • Notes: Seedlings show strong vigor; cuttings slow but viable.

Zone 8b Considerations

Monitor root rot during heavy rain