The genus Pyrus contains 45 or so species of upright trees and shrubs from Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They have attractive, white or pink, 5-petaled flowers that are sometimes unpleasantly scented. Fruit can be round or, obviously, pear-shaped and many cultivars have been bred specifically to produce food crops. Grow the ornamental species as specimens or at roadside, or in a small garden or as an espalier.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsVarious species have good autumn color or delicious fruit. Some can be espaliered. Adaptable to various soil types.
CareGrow in full sun. Tolerates most any fertile, well-drained soil.
PropagationSow seed in fall; bud in summer; graft in winter.
ProblemsCaterpillars, leaf roller, blister mites, aphids, scale insects, anthracnose, dieback, canker, scab, powdery mildew, fireblight.
