Species

Pyrus calleryanaCallery Pear

5 other cultivars

tree

Capital Pear

Pyrus calleryana 'Capital'

The Story

Plant Bio

Pyrus calleryana is a deciduous tree native to China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, widely utilised in urban forestry for its tolerance to compacted soils and atmospheric pollution. The species produces corymbs of five-petalled white flowers on bare branches in spring, followed by small, hard, inedible pome fruits that soften after frost.

'Capital' is distinguished by its highly fastigiate, columnar growth habit with almost vertical ascending branches that maintain a narrow profile of one to three metres. Its glossy, dark green leaves hang vertically on long petioles and turn deep crimson-red and purple in autumn.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a highly structured, narrow vertical accent with profuse white spring flowers and brilliant crimson-red autumn foliage.

Serves as an effective windbreak or privacy screen in tight urban spaces where lateral room is restricted.

Attracts general insect pollinators to spring blossoms, and small birds consume the softened fruits in winter.

SpeciesPyrus calleryanaCallery Pear

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

433 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

China, Taiwan, Vietnam

Toxicity

Seeds toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball but to the same depth, ensuring the soil at the base is firm to prevent settling.
Gently tease outer roots if slightly congested, position the tree upright, and backfill with native soil without adding organic matter to the hole.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil and apply a seven-centimetre layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Provide deep weekly watering during the first two growing seasons until the root system is fully established.

Pro Tip

Avoid heading back the central leader or shearing the outer canopy, as this destroys the natural columnar architecture and triggers a flush of weak, upright epicormic water-sprouts.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during extended dry periods in summer to maintain foliage health.
Prune strictly in winter while dormant to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
Apply a light application of complete fertiliser in early spring as new growth emerges.

Don't

Do not shear or top the tree to control height, as this ruins the columnar form.
Do not over-fertilise with high-nitrogen mixes, which promotes weak, disease-susceptible growth.
Do not allow mulch to pile up against the bark of the trunk, which encourages rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Narrow driveways and boundary screensAvenue plantingUrban courtyards with limited lateral spaceSpecimen planting for autumn colour

Companion Plants

Liriope muscari Buxus sempervirens Rhaphiolepis indica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Capital Pear questions

What zones can Capital Pear grow in?

Capital Pear is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Capital Pear bloom?

Capital Pear typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Capital Pear need full sun?

Capital Pear does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Capital Pear drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Capital Pear handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.