The Best Ornamental Pear Trees

Ornamental pear trees (Pyrus calleryana) are planted for their beautiful spring blossoms and vibrantly colored autumn foliage. Most ornamental pears are hybrids derived from the Callery pear tree and are called by various names, including the beautiful and popular Bradford pear; a tree that is not recommended for planting by most experts, as it quite fragile. There are around 22 species of ornamental pear trees around the world.

Pyrus Calleryana 'Chanticleer'

Pyrus calleryana "Chanticleer" is a slow-growing, very hardy ornamental pear tree, often used as a street tree. It begins to bloom as early as March and provides spectacular fall colors in urban landscapes. The Chanticleer is tolerant of pollution, winds and salty air, which makes it a great choice for those on the coast.

Pyrus Calleryana 'Aristocrat'

The Pyrus calleryana "Aristocrat" is known for its open branch design, which makes it much stronger than the more popular Bradford pear tree. The design allows the tree to stand up against strong winds and ice storms, making it a strong choice for cold climates. The Aristocrat features bright white flowers in the spring and deep purple leaves in the fall, which tend to last longer than most other deciduous trees.

Pyrus Calleryana 'Redspire'

Pyrus calleryana "Redspire" gets its name from the reddish color of the spring leaves. The white flowers on this tree are larger than the Aristocrat. In the summer, the leaves turn a deep, glossy green and in the fall they change to brilliant yellows and oranges. While it does not produce pears, the Redspire flowering pear does produce small round, red-colored fruit that birds like to eat. The fruit can hang onto the tree even after the leaves have fallen.

Pyrus Calleryana 'Cleveland Select'

The Pyrus calleryana "Cleveland Select" ornamental pear tree is another popular choice for urban landscapes. Smaller than the Chantileer, but just as sturdy, it grows to a height of 30 feet. The blossoms of this tree are white with a touch of pink. The Cleveland Select can tolerate tough clay soil and does not suffer from pest problems.