Species

Pyrus calleryanaCallery Pear

6 other cultivars

tree

Capital Flowering Pear

Pyrus calleryana 'Capital'

The Story

Plant Bio

Pyrus calleryana is a deciduous tree native to China and Vietnam, widely introduced across North America where it has become highly invasive in natural ecosystems. The species is characterized by its rapid growth, tolerance of poor soils, and profuse spring display of five-petaled white flowers.

'Capital' is a highly fastigiate cultivar selected for its exceptionally narrow, columnar habit and near-vertical branches that tightly hug the central leader. Its lustrous, dark green leaves flutter on long petioles before turning brilliant reddish-purple to bronze-red in the fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, narrow vertical accent with white spring flowers and brilliant reddish-purple fall foliage.

Tolerates compacted urban soils, air pollution, and limited lateral planting space.

Flowers attract generalist insect pollinators such as bees and flies in early spring.

SpeciesPyrus calleryanaCallery Pear

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

25-50 years

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun location with well-drained soil to maximize flowering and fall color.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Prune lightly in late winter only to remove dead or crossing branches, avoiding heavy cuts into old wood.

Pro Tip

Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization, which stimulates weak, rapid vegetative growth that is highly susceptible to fire blight infection.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun for optimal canopy density and fall color.
Prune in late winter to maintain the tight fastigiate structure.
Monitor for fire blight symptoms, especially in warm, humid spring weather.

Don't

Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote weak, disease-prone wood.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood as re-budding may fail.
Do not plant near wild areas where cross-pollination can spread invasive seedlings.

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 screeningUrban street plantingSpecimen tree

Companion Plants

Buxus sempervirens Nepeta faassenii Hemerocallis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Capital Flowering Pear questions

What zones can Capital Flowering Pear grow in?

Capital Flowering Pear is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Capital Flowering Pear deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Capital Flowering Pear, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Capital Flowering Pear bloom?

Capital Flowering 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 Flowering Pear need full sun?

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

Is Capital Flowering Pear drought tolerant?

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