'Bradford' Callery Pear

Currently, the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7) is enriched by the vibrant red fall foliage of callery (ornamental) pears (Pyrus calleryana), commonly identified as ‘Bradford’ pear. There are several cultivars of callery pears besides Bradford.

A great deal of negativity has befallen Bradford pear, some not totally deserved.  Yes, Bradford is weak- wooded and self-destructs in 15-20 years. ‘Cleveland Select’, also called ‘Chanticleer’, possesses all the positive attributes of Bradford. Cleveland Select has an upright branching habit which is less prone to limb breakage. Both cultivars demonstrate above average fireblight disease resistance.

The white flowers of callery pears lead off the spring season, and their glossy dark green foliage follows shortly thereafter. As medium sized trees, most cultivars reach 35-40 feet in mature height and of varying widths. Trees are not fussy, growing in any well-drained soil. Two year old established trees exhibit exceptional drought tolerance. In many years, maroon or bronze red autumn foliage color is effective into early December.

Callery pears are native to China and Korea and may become invasive in woodland and roadside areas, their vigorous seedlings choking out the competing native vegetation.