Callery pear 'Bradford' (Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford')

Callery pear 'Bradford'

Callery pear 'Bradford' is named for Frederick Charles Bradford, who, in the 1950s, developed this callery pear cultivar at the USDA’s Maryland plant station. In spring the tree produces a profusion of brilliant white flowers, and then in fall, the leaves turn from dark green to brilliant shades of red and brown.

Scientific classification

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Spring

Harvest Time

9 m to 15 m

Plant Height

6 m to 11 m

Spread

Red, Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

White

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

Culture

Interesting Facts

Legend has it that a beautiful woman led a whole village to plant pears all over a mountain to make a living. A god saw the beauty of the woman and wanted to seduce her. But the woman did not comply. The god created a drought and the pears gradually withered. The woman could only choose to kill herself under the pear trees. Surprisingly, the pears bloomed in the wind at the moment of her death.

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Care Guide for Callery pear 'Bradford'

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from a temperate climate, callery pear 'Bradford' adapts well to moderate moisture levels. Its ideal watering frequency is twice a week. Typically grown outdoors, callery pear 'Bradford' enters dormancy in colder months, reducing its water needs as it conserves resources for the next growing season.

Fertilize: Apply manure and fertilizers annually in early spring, avoiding excess nitrogen to prevent disease susceptibility. Callery pear 'Bradford' may experience boron deficiency, indicated by cracked fruits; a 0.1% boric acid spray can remedy this. Use less fertilizer in fertile soil.

Pruning: Callery pear 'Bradford' has a dense branching structure with a pyramidal shape. Prune in early spring to improve air circulation, removing weak or dead branches. Avoid excessive topping to prevent weak growth. Proper timing enhances recovery before the growing season, benefiting overall health and structure.

Propagation: Callery pear 'Bradford' is propagated through cuttings of healthy branches, ideally semi-hardwood. Cut just below a node, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a well-draining medium. Maintain consistent moisture and warmth to promote rooting over several weeks, while avoiding rot.

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