The beautiful flowering Chanticleer pear tree is a landscapers delight. This article will tell you all about this lovely, ornamental pear tree.
With the advent of spring, the Chanticleer pear tree springs to life with a sheet of white flowers. It comes from the genus Pyrus, belonging to the same family as the apple, the Maloideae family. Originally cultivated for the fruit, many pear tree varieties were later introduced for their ornamental value. The tree is planted for both; fruit as well as beautifying the landscape. It is native to China.
Vital Information
- The Chanticleer pear is an upright, pyramidal, deciduous tree that will grow up to 40 feet high, and spread 15 feet wide.
- It is favored by landscapers where lateral space to spread is restricted.
- It is also known as Improved Bradford, Cleveland Select, or Callary pear tree.
- It has earned the distinction of being awarded ‘the Urban Tree of the Year’ by the Society of Municipal Arborists in 2005.
- Since it is upright and does not create a mess with its shedding, it is a popular street tree.
- It bears white flowers that grow in abundant clusters.
- Although edible, its fruit is not very highly favored.
- The fall season sees a drastic change in its smooth, glossy long and pendulous-shaped leaves, as they now turn purplish-red.
A line of chanticleer trees in bloom
An orchard of chanticleer pear trees in bloom
Chanticleer pear tree branch in full bloom
Flowers of the chanticleer pear tree
Maintenance
- The Chanticleer ornamental pear is a shallow-rooted tree that grows well in most soils; alkaline, clay, dry, loamy, moist, sandy, well drained or wet.
- Of all the flowering tree types, this one is easy to grow and maintain.
- Soil should be maintained at a pH balance between three and six, which will result in good flower production. They do well in zones 5 – 8.
- Regular watering should be done for young plants until established, after which they can be watered as per seasonal changes.
- Fertilizing a pear before its bloom period will ensure a good and long bloom.
Diseases
Although resistant to most diseases, this tree too, like its other pear cousins, can fall prey to a variety of fungal and bacterial diseases. Fungal diseases include black rot, blue mold rot, canker, scab, etc. Most of these diseases affect the leaves underside, and then spread to the whole tree. Unchecked and untreated, they damage the flowering capacity of the tree, and tend to rot it from within. There are many pesticides available that one can use to ensure that the pear tree stays healthy and devoid of all pests and diseases. Of all diseases, it is very resistant to fireblight.
Pruning
Due to its steep, upright main stems, the Chanticleer is very susceptible to branch breakages, especially as these trees approach 15 to 20 years of age. It becomes very vulnerable during storms or snowfalls. Pruning in time is the only way to contain the damage. Train the tree when it is young, to multiple trunks and to develop a strong structure. Prune either in winter or early spring, before the flower buds begin to sprout.
Chanticleer pear tree, with its bright white flowers, and purple red fall foliage, will add amazing beauty to your landscape in every season. Not to mention that in spring, it will attract a large number of beautiful bees and butterflies to your garden!