tree

Drippin' Honey Pear

Pyrus calleryana 'Drippin' Honey'

The Story

Plant Bio

A compact, ornamental, and fruiting pear tree with a rounded habit. It produces abundant white blossoms in spring, followed by small, sweet, edible, golden-russet pears in fall. Glossy green foliage turns reddish-purple in autumn.

Unique for producing sweet, honey-flavored, bite-sized pears on a highly ornamental, disease-resistant tree. The fruit can be eaten fresh.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThe Drippin' Honey cultivar offers stunning spring blossoms with a sweet fragrance, enhancing landscape aesthetics.
Practical UsesProvides shade and acts as a windbreak, improving garden microclimates.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators with abundant nectar and provides habitat for birds and beneficial insects.
SpeciesPyrus calleryanaCallery Pear

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

20-30 years

Native To

Korea

Toxicity

Fruit is edible; seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should not be eaten.

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
  2. Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil, spacing 15-20 feet apart.
  3. Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged during establishment.
  4. Mist cuttings weekly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
  5. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth.
  6. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Prune young trees to establish a strong structure and remove any crossing branches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
  • Prune annually to shape and remove dead wood
  • Apply mulch to conserve moisture
  • Fertilize in early spring with a balanced mix

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
  • Do not neglect pruning, as it maintains tree health
  • Avoid fertilizing late in the season
  • Refrain from planting in poorly drained areas

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vigorous flowering tree for urban streetscapesElegant specimen in park settingsBrightens borders with spring blooms

Companion Plants

Lavender Daylilies Spirea Hostas Sedum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Drippin' Honey Pear questions

What zones can Drippin' Honey Pear grow in?

Drippin' Honey Pear is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Drippin' Honey Pear deer resistant?

Yes — Drippin' Honey Pear is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Drippin' Honey Pear bloom?

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

Does Drippin' Honey Pear need full sun?

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

Is Drippin' Honey Pear drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Drippin' Honey Pear with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.