The Common Pear is a species of pear native to southwest Asia and central and eastern Europe, the ancient Chinese believing that it was a symbol of immortality since it is such a long-lived plant.
Pear Common is purported to be linked to other species of wild pear back to the days of the Greek and Roman Empires when they started to cultivate pears but many hundreds of years before that as growing in the wild. Most pears which are now grown in orchards or are for general consumption in Europe, America and Australia have Pear Common to thank for their development as it forms part of their genealogy.
A deciduous tree, Pear Common or Pyrus Communis to give it its Latin title is quite a hardy plant with rounded glossy green leaves which can give very colourful autumn tints. In April, the branches may be smothered in white blossoms followed by the succulent tasting pears making for a very interesting and productive addition to a native hedgerow.
If pears are a family favourite then it can be planted as a single species hedge in a row of 3 plants per metre and as a thorny plant would also provide some security.
The fruit is best harvested when mature but still under ripe and will store quite happily in a cold, dry environment, or if preferred with an overabundance can be processed into pear juice or perry. Pear wood is used quite widely for kitchen utensils such as spoons and spirtles as it does not splinter or bend and retains no colour, taste or smell when used, also for production of woodwind instruments and in wood carving.
With its moderate rate of growth Pyrus Communis can reach between 10-15 metres in height however if required as a hedge then trimming in winter will keep it to a reasonable level but enough to sustain the growth of some fruit. As a fairly hardy plant it will grow easily in most types of soil preferably in full sun.
Pear Common is supplied by us as a very reasonably priced bare root plant which is available during the correct season from November through to March.
If you have any questions with regard to Pyrus Communis please ring one of our team and we will be happy to help.
