Quick Guide: spring, hardy, full sun, height: 7.5m/25ft, width: 6m/20ft
The pear family does not include ornamental species to compare with the cherry in terms of showy flower-bearing. The beauty of Pyrus salicifolia, the willow-leaved pear, lies in its delicacy and grace. The narrow leaves, covered in silky white down, open in spring at the same time as the pure white flowers, closely packed in rounded clusters. As the leaves mature the down disappears, leaving them smooth and pale. The fruits are not edible.
GROWING Plant between autumn and spring in well-drained but moisture-retentive soil, avoiding open situations if possible. Water well until established. Do not dig around the roots - suppress weeds if necessary with a mulch of well-rotted compost or leaf-mould. No pruning is necessary except to remove crossing branches of established trees.
PROPAGATION Pears are increased vegetatively by grafting on to the rootstock of Pyrus communis (wild pear).
VARIETIES `Pendula' (above), with drooping branches, reaches 5m/16ft and is a good choice for small gardens.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Woolly aphids, scale insects; fireblight.
