Species

Pyrus calleryanaCallery Pear

6 other cultivars

tree

Callery Pear

Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer'

The Story

Plant Bio

Pyrus calleryana is a deciduous tree native to mainland China and Taiwan, widely naturalized and highly invasive across North America. The species is characterized by its rapid growth, adaptability to diverse soil profiles, and profuse spring display of small, five-petaled white flowers that emerge before or alongside the new leaves.

'Chanticleer' is distinguished by its tight, narrowly pyramidal, and dense columnar habit that provides excellent wind resistance. This thornless cultivar features glossy dark green summer foliage that transitions to vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow in the fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, upright columnar form, profuse white spring blooms, and brilliant orange-red fall color.

Highly tolerant of urban air pollution, moderate soil compaction, and wind, making it a durable street tree where non-invasive.

Flowers attract generalist bees and early-season pollinators, while small fruits are consumed by birds.

SpeciesPyrus calleryanaCallery Pear

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360"

Width

180"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

25 - 50 years

Native To

China, Taiwan

Toxicity

Foliage and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full-sun location to ensure optimal flowering density and a tight, symmetrical crown.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the tree at the same depth as its nursery container.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk flare.

Pro Tip

Do not confuse 'Chanticleer' with the structurally weak 'Bradford' cultivar; while 'Chanticleer' possesses much stronger branch unions that resist splitting under ice or wind loads, it remains a fertile cross-pollinator capable of producing invasive wild hybrids.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune out crossing, dead, or root-suckering branches in late winter.
Monitor for signs of fire blight, especially during warm, wet spring weather.
Use systemic or contact treatments if Japanese beetle infestations defoliate the canopy.

Don't

Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate weak, lush growth susceptible to fire blight.
Do not plant this tree in regions where it is designated as an invasive or banned species.
Do not heavy-prune or pollard the canopy, as this ruins the natural columnar form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

ScreeningSpecimen TreeStreet TreeWindbreak

Companion Plants

Amelanchier arborea Cercis canadensis Viburnum dentatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Callery Pear questions

What zones can Callery Pear grow in?

Callery 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 Callery Pear deer resistant?

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

When does Callery Pear bloom?

Callery 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 Callery Pear need full sun?

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

Is Callery Pear drought tolerant?

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