Bradford Pear
Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'
Once America's most popular ornamental tree, known for its spectacular white spring blooms and symmetrical pyramid shape. While beautiful, this tree has significant structural weaknesses and invasive tendencies that have led many states to ban its sale. Many gardeners are now choosing better alternatives like serviceberry or flowering cherry for similar spring impact.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Callery Pear: 'Bradford' and Other Varieties and Their Invasive Progeny
Zones
5–9
USDA hardiness
Height
30-50 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Bradford Pear in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ornamental-tree →Zone Map
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Bradford Pear · Zones 5–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Callery Pear: 'Bradford' and Other Varieties and Their Invasive Progeny. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 30 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 20 ft. 0 in. - 35 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 24-60 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Aristocrat', 'Autumn Blaze', 'Bradford', 'Capital', 'Chanticleer', 'Cleveland Select', 'Invasive', 'Redspire', 'Whitehouse'. Propagation: Grafting, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruits are yellowish green to brown, round, 0.5 to 1-inch in diameter, and inedible with a brown pit. They have no practical value nor ornamental use except it attracts birds..
Color: Brown/Copper, Gold/Yellow, Green. Type: Pome. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: Central to Southern China to Vietnam, Central Japan, and Taiwan
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Compaction, Deer, Drought, Heat, Pollution, Poor Soil, Urban Conditions
- +Attracts: Cream/Tan, White
- +Wildlife value: The fruits attract many birds.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Daffodils
Bloom early before tree leafs out, tolerate root competition, deer resistant
Hostas
Thrive in partial shade under canopy, complement spring blooms with foliage
Ferns
Prefer filtered light under tree, help retain soil moisture and reduce weeds
Astilbe
Tolerates shade and root competition, adds color when tree blooms fade
Coral Bells
Drought tolerant once established, colorful foliage complements tree structure
Pachysandra
Effective groundcover that suppresses weeds and tolerates dense shade
Spring Beauty
Native wildflower that blooms with tree, attracts early pollinators
Ajuga
Dense groundcover that prevents soil erosion under the tree canopy
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can inhibit growth of Bradford Pear
Large Conifers
Compete aggressively for water and nutrients, create too much shade
Tomatoes
Tree roots compete for nutrients needed by heavy-feeding vegetables
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Susceptible to fire blight, leaf spot, and storm damage
Common Pests
Scale insects, aphids, borers
Diseases
Fire blight, leaf spot, crown rot, structural failure